Chapter 37

The atmosphere is different.

Finally, the words that perfectly matched the 4th floor I had just reached.

The concentration of mana flowing in the air had become much thicker.

So much so that anyone who could handle even a little mana would easily feel it.

“Hoho, I can tell just by looking at your expressions.”

The Gatekeeper glanced at Abelin and me, then spoke with satisfaction.

“Up to the 3rd floor, it might have been somewhat ordinary. But from the 4th floor onwards, I dare say it’s a ‘great’ space.”

“Is it that significant?”

“Yes. As I mentioned, from the 4th floor onwards, it’s not for ordinary members but for recognized prospects and outstanding magicians. It’s a space designed to allow them to focus entirely on researching and training their magic without any distractions. Even at this very moment, countless researches that could change the world’s order are being conducted.”

The Gatekeeper’s tone was filled with pride.

“Actually, bringing outsiders to the 4th floor is itself a very unusual event. It’s the most important and secretive space in the Magic Tower. There’s a risk that our important magic could leak outside.”

“Thinking about it, that makes sense. Usually, when meeting those from the upper floors, we schedule in advance and get permission, and they come down to meet us. Bringing us to the 4th floor is indeed a very unconventional treatment.”

“It’s because of the promise you made. Just to look around. And also…”

The Gatekeeper’s expression darkened slightly.

“Didn’t you just exchange words? About preparing your sword.”

“Ah, did you hear that? I apologize if I caused any concern.”

“No, it’s fine. The reason we brought you here in the first place was for that purpose. But please be cautious in your actions.”

The Gatekeeper bowed slightly as he made this request.

“If things get out of hand, even with my authority as a mere Gatekeeper, I won’t be able to protect you. It might also significantly affect your relationship with the Vanguard.”

“Of course. I’ll keep that in mind. I promise not to draw my sword until I’m certain.”

“Hoho, I know you’re not the type to draw your sword recklessly. But it’s good to have your promise…”

“Gatekeeper.”

A voice full of dignity.

And a voice full of wariness was directed at us.

“Are those the two? The guests from outside?”

“Yes, Aksion-nim.”

The Gatekeeper bowed deeply to the owner of the voice.

Aksion.

One of the five High Magicians in the Rostia Magic Tower.

“I knew the lower floors were in a bit of a commotion because of the guests. But I’m surprised. For the Gatekeeper to bring guests to the 4th floor means they must hold high value. However…”

Aksion glanced at us with narrowed eyes and snorted lightly.

“Hmph, I’m not so sure. Whether these two guests are worth it.”

“These two are Kairon-nim and Abelin-nim. They are from the Vanguard, and I vouch for their value.”

“Hmm? You vouch for them? What exactly are these two that you would vouch for them?”

“I can’t disclose the details yet. But there’s a very important reason for bringing them to the upper floors, and if their value is deemed insufficient, we will send them back immediately.”

“Very well. Since the Gatekeeper says so, I’ll let it pass for now. But if these two cause any disorder or chaos in the upper floors, you won’t be able to avoid responsibility.”

“Of course, I understand, Aksion-nim. Please don’t worry.”

“Hmph…!”

Aksion turned his head sharply and walked away.

Despite his young age, he had reached a high level, but his excessive pride made him a bit unpleasant.

Also, in a past life, he was the most enthusiastic in refusing help when the Vanguard requested it.

Of course, that happened in a past life, and it hasn’t happened in this life yet…

“Kairon? What’s wrong? You’re clenching your fist. Is that magician a demon?”

“No. He’s not. It’s just a personal issue, don’t worry about it.”

“Personal issue? Do you know him?”

“…Let’s just say I know him a little.”

Thinking of him as the one who caused the Vanguard’s predicament, it’s hard not to feel heated.

But it was clear.

On the 4th floor, I felt a strong demonic presence.

So strong that it lingered in the air.

After Aksion left, I spoke to the Gatekeeper, wary of anyone listening.

“Gatekeeper.”

“Yes, Kairon-nim. Please speak.”

“Over there…”

I pointed in a direction with my finger.

Following the scent, the direction where the demonic presence felt stronger.

“It’s coming from over there.”

“Huh? How can that be? That’s where the prospects reside.”

“Prospects…!”

A demon hiding among the recognized prospects.

It was a plausible story.

Commander Balthazar was a human who made a contract with a demon, but in the case of Rajeing or Sophia, they weren’t in prominent positions but blended into the Vanguard from subtle positions.

Being noticed but not overly so, a prospect’s position was perfect for hiding one’s identity and acting covertly.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, if there’s a demon there, we should go. But please be careful. Not many here will welcome you, especially since you’re visiting the Magic Tower for the first time today.”

“I’m well aware. But we can’t just leave a demon here, who’s been lurking for a long time, realizing their dark schemes.”

Abelin and I followed the Gatekeeper cautiously.

As we walked, some members of the Magic Tower gave us suspicious looks, but the Gatekeeper managed to diffuse the situation each time.

The stronger the demonic presence felt.

But then…

“Ah, but this is a problem.”

The Gatekeeper looked troubled.

“Why not? You brought us to the upper floors, why not here?”

“Well, it’s not that you can’t. It’s just a bit difficult. Because this is…”

The Gatekeeper’s face turned pale.

“This is where the female prospects reside. In principle, men are not allowed to enter. Even the Archmage, the owner of the Magic Tower, doesn’t enter here lightly.”

“Ah…”

Of all places, it had to be one with such troublesome rules.

Even the Archmage couldn’t enter freely.

If even the Gatekeeper is this reluctant, as outsiders, Abelin and I couldn’t force our way in.

“This isn’t good. I can enter since I’m a woman, but if you don’t come in, Kairon, it’s meaningless.”

“This is a mess. The presence is coming from right inside…”

“I regret to say, but there’s nothing we can do. This rule has existed since the Magic Tower was built…”

If we found the demon, we could prove that my intention to enter the restricted area wasn’t impure, but that’s just hindsight.

I didn’t come here to tarnish the Vanguard’s image, so there’s nothing I can do.

Besides…

I turned my head away from the female prospects’ quarters to another direction.

The demonic presence was faintly felt there too.

It seemed there wasn’t just one demon in the Magic Tower.

“Let’s not dwell on an unsolvable problem and look for another one. There’s another direction where I feel the demonic presence.”

“Are you saying there are two demons in our Magic Tower?”

“It’s ambiguous. I feel it from both directions…”

I haven’t been sensing demonic presence for long.

So, my intuition isn’t sharp enough to be certain.

But one strange thing is, the demonic presence from both directions feels very similar.

“Ugh… This is giving me a headache. Which direction is the other one? I’ll guide you.”

The Gatekeeper’s expression was darker than before, but he still moved forward, determined not to accept the fact that a demon was within the Magic Tower.

The direction was none other than the 5th floor.

To avoid provoking the upper-floor officials, we decided to just take a quick look around the 4th floor and immediately moved to the 5th floor.

But as we moved, the situation became more serious.

“What’s wrong, Kairon?”

“…This is serious. I’ve only felt a presence this strong once before.”

“When was that…?”

“Just once.”

That one time was when I met Commander Balthazar.

An undeniable unease washed over me, thinking I might encounter a demon as strong as Commander Balthazar.

But even so…

“Prepare your sword, Abelin. This might not be an easy fight.”

I had no choice but to move forward.