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“…I’ll introduce you to someone. He might be a good-for-nothing most of the time, but when it comes to handling mana, he’s somewhat skilled.”

“Who’s this useless person you’re talking about?”

“He’s a mage who’s had a grudge since before coming to Philleon. I didn’t want to get involved, but there’s no choice now…”

Navirose closed her eyes as if enduring a headache. Ronan, sensing that something big was about to happen, spoke in a whisper.

“Hey, Professor. This seems to be related to a curse. Can’t we just go there directly?”

“Go? Where are you talking about?”

“The Dawn Tower. I managed to get some leads somehow.”

“You’re out of luck, the Dawn Tower is currently closed to outsiders.”

“What?”

“It was quite a well-known incident. It was related to the Nebula Clazier.”

“What the hell are you saying?”

Ronan frowned. Navirose had mentioned that like the Gracia family, an extensive investigation was carried out in the Five Magic Towers as well.

Three members of the organization were captured at the Dawn Tower. Those who failed to escape triggered an explosion using mana backflow and self-destructed.

“I heard it was a pretty big explosion. They said that about three-quarters of the garden was blown away.”

“Were there many casualties?”

“No. Aside from the Nebula Clazier members who self-destructed, there were no other fatalities. They caught them early enough to mitigate a lot of the damage, but they say it’s going to take some time to clean up.”

“Useless bastards who can’t even die properly…”

Ronan rubbed his forehead and took a step back. While it was fortunate that the explosion happened in the garden and not in a building, the situation was still problematic.

Even if Sarante’s ring could act as identification for entry, there was a high likelihood that investigations would face obstacles due to the confusion. Navirose stated.

“It seems like the situation has taken a turn. For now, go meet the person I’m introducing you to. Who knows if they’ll be of any help.”

“I guess I’ll have to…”

“Adeshan, do you remember the place where mana-intertwined students were taken three months ago?”

“Oh, yes! You mean Professor Jhordin’s office, right?”

Navirose narrowed her eyes again upon hearing the name “Jhordin.” It was an expression one might have when facing a pile of documents like a mountain.

“Yeah…Jhordin. You’re probably exhausted by now, so take a rest before going to meet him. Adeshan will guide you.”

“Sure, I’ll do that. Thanks for letting me know.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

Ronan and Adeshan headed to Arena 1 together. As they walked side by side, Navirose murmured as if in disdain at their retreating backs.

“The guy on the shorter side is the one who looks better, but still…”

The late afternoon sun illuminated the academy grounds. Unlike the raggedy individuals, the neatly dressed students were bustling through the streets. Adeshan looked at the gradually darkening sky and began to speak.

“It felt like a long dream. The sun still hasn’t set.”

“That’s right.”

“Thanks for today in various ways. Thanks for saving me, listening to my boring stories, and…”

“It’s fine. By the way, things worked out well.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“If that person named Jhordin is an expert in mana, he probably doesn’t even know about the mana of the shadow that Sunbae possesses. It’s fortunate that our plans weren’t discovered.”

Adeshan’s eyes widened. She had momentarily forgotten about it amidst the shocking events of the day. Only now did Adeshan recall her conversation with Ronan on the hill of the nameless island.

“Yeah, tell me about that. What is Shadow Mana?”

“I don’t know much about it either.”

That was the truth. Ronan only knew about Adeshan possessing such abilities and the terrifying power it held. Adeshan pouted as if spitting out a sigh.

“Annoying.”

“What can I do if I don’t know? But are you prepared?”

“What do you mean by prepared…?”

“Prepared to become a Grand General. If I’m going to help, you have to become a Grand General no matter what.”

“Well, I suppose so…”

“Not a lower-ranked officer or even a Gold Rank Warrior. Only a Grand General. Only that position, ruling at the pinnacle of the Imperial Army, has meaning.”

Ronan’s face as he spoke held no trace of a smile. His sunset-colored eyes gleamed fiercely. Adeshan, who had sighed deeply, nodded heavily.

“…I’ve never really considered anything else.”

“Good.”

Ronan grinned. It seemed that things would get busier. They parted ways at the junction leading to the dormitory buildings. Adeshan turned around to look back three times before disappearing around the corner. Ronan, leaning against a fence, muttered as he watched her vanish.

“I’m sorry.”

It was an apology to his former superior. Her will was never carried out. Adeshan’s life would never be the same again.

Ronan stood in the same spot for a while. It wasn’t until the clouds began to turn red that he finally turned and walked away.

He had been contemplating stopping by the club building before heading to the dormitory. Suddenly, he remembered Ophelia, who had left to research blood magic.

‘Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve heard from her.’

The letter he received just before she left for the Baydian Mountains was the last. Ronan sighed. A feeling of unease clenched at his heart.

‘Could that mosquito-like girl have possibly outsmarted us and fled?’

‘I’ll have to do some investigation, but it seems certain that something has happened.’

He was just about to enter the club building when Ronan’s eyes widened at the sight of the boy looking at the map with his hands behind his back.

“You’re late, Ronan.”

“…Now I have nothing to say.”

Shullifen had already changed into a neat school uniform. Ronan looked at his neatly combed hair and clicked his tongue as if annoyed. His appearance contrasted sharply with his own, who was practically draped in tattered clothes.

“This place is still messy, as always. Don’t you and your colleagues understand the concept of cleaning?”

“I can’t believe you have the leisure to blabber about that. By the way, are you feeling better?”

“My treatment ended exactly five minutes after you woke up. The healers here aren’t half bad.”

“Good for you. So, what’s the matter? I’m sure you didn’t come here to point out the cleanliness.”

“Take this.”

Approaching, Shullifen handed over an envelope. The elegant envelope seemed to hold something as grand as an invitation to a royal ball, stamped with the insignia of the House of Gracia.

“What’s this?”

Ronan lazily tore open the envelope. Contrary to his expectations, there was only a single sheet of ordinary paper inside. As he unfolded the paper, his eyes widened.

“You…”

“You remember the condition about adjusting participation frequency, right?”

The club application form had Shullifen’s personal information elegantly written in beautiful handwriting. Ronan’s lips quivered as if convulsing. The continent’s greatest talent had come into his possession. And much faster than he expected.

“Of course. Welcome to the club.”

Ronan managed to suppress his emotions and extended his hand. Shullifen didn’t respond to the handshake and continued to speak.

“There’s one more condition.”

“What is it?”

“Spar with me every day. Regardless of club activities.”

“You didn’t have to say that, I would have done it anyway.”

Ronan chuckled. Then, finally, Shullifen shook his hand. Ronan’s eyes widened.

‘This guy…’

It felt like touching the back of someone’s heel. His palm, still partially closed, was covered in rough calluses. It was a layer formed from accumulated, indiscernible effort.

‘He wasn’t just a genius cultivated solely by his talent.’

Ronan smirked. After the handshake, Shullifen unexpectedly activated the Silent Scroll. From his mouth flowed an extraordinary voice that even conveyed a sense of mission.

“Then let’s talk about Iril’s moving plans. Now that I’m also a member, I have the qualification.”

“Can’t I at least change my clothes before we discuss this?”

Shullifen tilted his head. Ronan had to listen to that lunatic’s plans until dawn.

****

The day had dawned. Though overcast, there were no signs of rain. The cool, pale white clouds were evenly spread across the sky, giving an impression of serenity.

Ronan and Adeshan headed straight to Jhordin’s office. His office was located in Tower 41 on the outskirts of Philleon. Adeshan, still half-awake, stretched and spoke.

“Ugh… It’s been a while since I’ve visited Professor Jhordin’s office…”

“Come to think of it, you said you’ve met him before. What exactly does he do?”

“He’s a professor in charge of mana manipulation at the Magic Department. He’s friends with Professor Navirose.”

“Our Professor has friends?”

“He claims not to be, but… judging by how they speak, it seems to be true. Despite acting as if they’re ignoring each other, there’s an underlying acknowledgement…”

Adeshan continued with his explanation. Occasionally, in class, there were students who suffered from tangled mana or a stiffened core, resulting in a state of paralysis. In most cases, Navirose could resolve it, but when all else failed, they would turn to Jhordin for help.

Even during Adeshan’s last visit, it was the same situation. Despite Navirose’s best efforts, the mana that couldn’t be untangled was easily resolved by Jhordin with a simple gesture.

“He must be incredibly skilled.”

“Yeah. He’s not from the Martial Arts department, but rather the Magic department, focusing on mana manipulation.”

Soon, they arrived at Tower 41. Unlike the magnificent 13th tower where Varen’s office is located, a very simple, or worse, ugly appearance stood out.

Oddly, the tower emanated a gloomy energy, and crows circled above, cawing loudly. Ronan raised an eyebrow and asked with skepticism.

“Is this the right place?”

“Ugh… It was like this the other day, but why did it get worse…”

It wouldn’t be strange if the tower suddenly collapsed, with human bones spilling out. They climbed the spiral staircase and soon stood before a door adorned with Jhordin’s nameplate.

The worn door wasn’t very inviting. As Adeshan raised her hand to knock, a sharp screeching sound accompanied the door’s opening.

“What’s the matter?”

“Kyaaah!”

A man with sunken eyes and cheeks, resembling a skull, appeared. Startled, Adeshan stumbled backward.

“Pr-Professor Jhordin!”

“Ah, you’re the student I remember. Are you still serving as the assistant to that monster?”

The man’s voice was raspy and difficult to hear due to the hoarseness. Behind the chain curtain, Jhordin was speaking. Ronan frowned upon hearing the term “professor.”

‘A professor? Him?’

Without a doubt, he thought one of the test subjects had escaped. Jhordin’s skin was a similar shade of light brown to Navirose’s. However, instead of Navirose’s healthy and beautiful crimson, his skin was a sallow, lifeless brown, like a dying horse’s hide.

“Well… yes, that’s correct.”

“You’re quite the remarkable student. If it were me, I would have stolen that needlessly long sword and escaped long ago.”

“Ahahaha… even though she’s strict, she’s a good person.”

“Considering you’re still saying that, it seems you haven’t experienced any hardships yet. By the way, why is that good-for-nothing Navirose bothering me again?”

In a voice so fractured and coarse it was difficult to hear, Adeshan managed to continue.

“Th-there’s a student struggling with the Sword Qi manifestation. She said to come and see you… that’s why…”

“It’s not even an emergency, yet you’ve come to find me. You must be quite a promising student. So, it’s you?”

Only then did Jhordin turn his gaze toward Ronan. Ronan had to make a significant effort to meet his gaze head-on. The pupils within the eye sockets were faintly tinged with a blue hue.

“Yes. I’m Ronan.”

“Nice to meet you, Ronan. So, you’re having trouble with the Sword Qi manifestation?”

“Yeah. It’s a different situation,… but for now, yes.”

“It’s a common issue for those just entering the Sword Expert phase. Are you coming in?”

Come to think of it, they had been conversing through the door this whole time. Ronan nodded his head. Suddenly, Jhordin reached out through the crack in the door, extending his palm.

“1 gold.”

“Excuse me?”

“By the way, that’s per hour. I’m a busy man.”

For a moment, Ronan thought he must have misheard. Adeshan’s expression froze. As Ronan stayed still, Jhordin continued, seeming frustrated.

“Don’t look at me like that. Being a Philleon student, you should have plenty of money. It’s only natural that you’d have to pay to do things outside of work.”

“…Are you seriously asking for a gold coin per person?”

“Indeed, your potential for analysis is quite impressive.”

Ronan glanced back at Adeshan. She was murmuring something with a bewildered expression while folding and unfolding her fingers. She seemed to be assessing her own financial situation.

“Damn, of all times…”

Ronan clicked his tongue. The sizable amount of money he had just a few days ago was completely spent on purchasing his house. While he did have an emergency fund, the problem was making the journey all the way to the distant dormitory building.

“I don’t have money right now… What should I do?”

“There’s a way. Just turn around and leave. It would be even better if you beg Navirose to give you some gold coins for me.”

Ronan closed his eyes tightly. He had a feeling he knew why Navirose disliked this person.

If only he could, he’d immediately cut through the nonsense and stomp on that moss-covered old man before striding into the office, but given his circumstances, he couldn’t do that.

Ronan sighed in resignation. Just as he was about to answer, Jhordin unexpectedly extended his palm again, as if pressing the conversation.

“Wait a moment… what’s that in your pocket?”

“Pocket?”

“Yes. The right leg’s pocket.”

Ronan started rummaging through his pocket. When he took his hand out, he was holding Sarante’s ring.

Upon seeing the ring, Jhordin’s eyes widened, almost popping out of their sockets.

Clank!

The door suddenly closed, and a rattling sound came from inside.

‘How many locks did he put on this thing?’

Judging by the sound, there were at least six.

Clank!

The door opened again not long after. Jhordin’s excited voice rang out.

“Come in. If you grant my request, you don’t have to pay even a single coin.”