After sending the two of them off, I let out a deep sigh of relief.
“Close call.”
The sudden memory of the ceiling collapsing just moments ago sent cold sweat down my back. Everything had been going so smoothly, and then, just at the last moment, disaster struck. If an accident had happened there, all my efforts would have been for nothing.
Anyway, the immediate crisis at hand has been resolved for now. I maintained the utmost formality, followed all the preparations thoroughly, and the report turned out to be perfect. I poured all my passion and sincerity into showcasing my diligent nature. No one in their right mind could form a negative opinion of me now. That’s enough for a first impression.
“Hmm.”
I leaned back in my chair, lost in thought. The immediate crisis is over, but it’s too early to relax. Given that I’ve become this accursed administrator of the Magic Realm, I have to survive for at least five years, no matter what.
“The future is what matters…”
My top priority right now is comfortable survival. This hasn’t changed a single bit since the day I came to this world.
This is the world of a novel. Genre-wise, it’s a romantic fantasy. Normally, it should be the kind of story where the characters are too busy with romance, but there’s a simple reason why I, as an extra, have to worry about survival: this isn’t actually a romantic fantasy. It’s a dark fantasy disguised as one.
There are always works like this in any genre. While mundane mass-produced stories dominate, there are always those heretical works that twist every cliché. The novel I’ve become a part of is exactly that kind.
The fate of the world is in the hands of the original protagonist—I don’t need to worry about that. But by the time the protagonist arrives, Blackmore will most likely be in shambles. That’s the problem.
The biggest issue is…
“The Seeds of Doom.”
There are five people who bear the Seeds of Doom, scattered across the continent. According to the original story, two of them will gather in Blackmore. At least Rudine, the third seed, is no longer a concern, but…
“The other two are the problem.”
I clicked my tongue and furrowed my brow. Then I descended into deep thought once again.
No one else, but none other than the Seeds of Doom. They live up to their name—omens of the end of the world. The fact that two of these calamities are hiding in Blackmore can’t be overlooked.
“I can’t just ignore this.”
Blackmore isn’t a simple Magic Realm. It’s a place swarming with monstrosities, a land where death runs rampant, a den of magic that fosters the sprouts of the end. It’s also a battleground where countless interests collide.
Though it’s calm for now, the Seeds of Doom become uncontrollable once corrupted. That’s why it’s something I have to avoid at all costs. Even more so since this is my jurisdiction and I need to last here for five years.
Fortunately, I still have some time. As the protagonist hasn’t become truly active yet, this is the only time before their corruption when I can intervene.
Blackmore may ultimately become the place where the world’s most dangerous timebombs gather, but what choice do I have? This is a necessary sacrifice to maintain a peaceful civil service life.
“So, the priorities are set.”
Collect the end.
Reform the end.
“Let’s begin with names…”
Two seeds are hidden here.
The first is Yutinia, the defector.
And then…
The fallen priestess, Elfried Trivia.
“Unfortunately, I don’t yet know Yutinia’s location…”
Among these, the only one I have any information on is Elfried. Admittedly, it’s only rough information, but among the seeds, she’s relatively low on the difficulty scale. Once my thoughts were clear, I called the man standing by the door.
“Balkhan.”
“Did you call, my lord?”
Balkhan Kast. The Chief Executor of the Arkhan Lords Council immediately bowed his head in response. I gestured for him to come closer. He hesitated for a moment, then cautiously approached and sat on the chair opposite mine.
“There’s something I’d like to ask you.”
“I’m listening.”
“How far into the Magic Realm have you ventured?”
“…You mean Blackmore?”
A nod. My understanding is that executive officers of the council are tasked with exploring the entire Magic Realm.
“I haven’t ventured that deep.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. The western regions beyond the boundaries are strictly controlled.”
The boundary must be referring to Kalmas. It’s the area where light doesn’t reach, the edge where chaos starts. They say it was marked by the elves in ancient times, and beyond it, strange creatures that are far beyond ordinary demon beasts await.
“Have you been anywhere near it?”
“Yes, just once.”
“Do you remember the way?”
“…I remember roughly.”
The answer wasn’t satisfactory, but just knowing the way is enough.
“How far is it?”
“It’ll take roughly a week.”
A week?
It’ll take much longer than I expected.
“Isn’t there a faster way?”
“There… is a way, actually.”
“Hm?”
He glanced at me carefully before continuing.
“We can pass through the headquarters.”
“In that case, how many days will it take?”
“It can be done in a day.”
That’s it.
Only after receiving his confirmation did I rise. Then I immediately got to the point.
“I’ll need a guide.”
Westmarch could probably manage to find its way, but Kalmas is a different story. We’re talking about the deep regions of Blackmore, the furthest unknown territories. A guide is absolutely necessary. Meeting Elfried isn’t dangerous enough to stake my life, but without a proper guide, it might take days to reach our destination.
“Surely you don’t plan to cross the boundary?”
“Hm, a little?”
“…”
His eyes widened.
It was a look one might give to a madman.
Meanwhile.
“Derek Baldwin?”
A woman greeted a man with a lascivious smile. This woman was Selena Lugrite, the principal of the Academy, the top educational institution of the Empire, and also the deputy head of the Red Magic Tower.
“What brings the esteemed Special Operations Commander here?”
She said, her smile wicked.
The Academy and the Special Operations Force had close ties, and so did the two of them, though for more pleasant reasons.
“It’s been a while.”
“Indeed. It must be quite urgent if you’ve come in person.”
She was right. I needed information on Luke Richter. His past was curiously clean, as if someone had tampered with it.
The only remaining record was his five-year graduation record from the Academy. But even that seemed too normal to be believable, to the point it triggered some sense of déjà vu.
That’s why I came in person. I planned to delve into Luke Richter with the principal.
“You’ve been quite blatant, ignoring all our communication.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Well, I’m also busy, so why don’t you leave?”
“…There’s sharpness in your words.”
She responded, teasing, and Derek sighed inwardly while staring at her. As stubborn as ever.
“I have a question.”
“Go ahead. Just don’t expect answers.”
“Enough with the jokes.”
“Hmph.”
At those words, Selena burst out laughing, seemingly exasperated.
“Jokes? Does my word sound like a joke?”
“Did I assign you any tasks? Have I ever asked you to simply answer my questions?”
“Let’s make a deal then.”
“A deal?”
Her pupils brightened with interest at his words.
“Care to elaborate?”
“I’ll give you an ear stone.”
“What?”
An ear stone. Rarely found in the corpses of mid-level demons, it’s the only conductor of magical power and one of the most valuable research materials at the magic towers.
“Will you give me an ear stone?”
“First, give me your answer.”
“So you’re serious? Alright, that’s definitely a great deal. Ask anything. I’ll answer sincerely!”
Selena’s eyes sparkled. Derek sighed, then began.
“I need information about a student.”
“A current one?”
“No, he graduated last year.”
“The name?”
She asked, sipping her tea, and Derek parted his lips.
“Richter Luke.”
…What?
Selena’s train of thought froze suddenly. The woman, who had previously been happy imagining what she could do with the ear stone, now looked dazed.
“Who?”
“Richter Luke.”
At Derek’s words, Selena placed the teacup heavily on the desk, her face suddenly pale as she abruptly scattered magical energy into the air.
Roooaar!
It wasn’t magic. She simply dispersed her mana haphazardly, irrationally.
Still, that raw release of power began to oppress the space, creating a pressure so massive.
As if an earthquake had struck, the floor, the desk, and all objects around began to shake.
Selena’s face contorted, and her lips trembled strangely, the reaction one might expect from someone who has heard something they weren’t supposed to.
And then.
“Leave.”
She said, her voice trembling.
“What are you doing?”
“Leave.”
“What?”
“Out. Right now.”
It was clear. An order of dismissal.
