Kilbis Bernate.
Once a name that echoed across the entire continent, but now a name remembered by very few.
There were quite a few adjectives associated with Kilbis, but the most famous was undoubtedly ‘Tragic Genius.’
A wizard of the highest talent, considered the equal of the current Archmage William.
In some areas, he was even considered superior to William.
Particularly in the application of magic, Kilbis was a genius without peer.
He had his own signature style that used completely different calculation methods from other wizards.
Together with William, Kilbis had a bright future ahead of him until, in the blink of an eye, his world crumbled.
Ironically, the accident that destroyed his life stemmed from his greatest strength: the application of magic.
While conducting various experiments in his lab, Kilbis attempted a new form of magic but failed to control the mana.
The resultant mana surge was catastrophic.
Though thankfully there were no casualties, the price Kilbis paid was brutal.
Due to not receiving proper treatment during the golden hour, Kilbis was left unable to properly use mana ever again.
The once-vaunted future Archmage fell from grace almost overnight.
Not only was he expelled from the kingdom, but all the people who’d once surrounded him disappeared as well.
The money amassed over the years vanished in the blink of an eye.
More than anything, Kilbis had lost his driving purpose in life.
Having been rendered incapable of practicing the magic he loved dearly, for Kilbis, there seemed to be no reason left to go on.
Thus passed a few years, with Kilbis nearly forgotten by the world.
It was then that a new ray of hope appeared—an almost comical savior in the form of Black Magic.
‘This ability… it resonates with the Founder’s strength.’
Nameless Elder One Kilbis, now safely holed up, reflected calmly.
When trying to deal with a group of pesky brats who couldn’t resist even simple magic, a mysterious figure in black arrived.
The infamous Black Shadow Guild.
With rumors swirling about their involvement in the Crescent Empire that had disrupted the Third Elder’s plans, Kilbis was indeed intrigued.
One of the continent’s numerous shadowy organizations that undertook various jobs, the Black Shadow Guild was nonetheless famous for its leader’s uncanny abilities.
When Kilbis personally faced off against those abilities, he was genuinely taken aback.
The Black Shadow Guild Leader effortlessly dispelled his fog.
That, by itself, wasn’t entirely surprising.
Although his fog magic was tricky to decipher, any skilled wizard could have negated it.
But the Guild Leader’s abilities went far beyond that.
Without any visible magical aura, the Guild Leader had performed a teleportation right to his front, followed by several rapid-fire spatial movements.
Kilbis had never seen anyone use teleportation so swiftly and accurately.
‘This must be the one who meddled with the Third Elder,’ Kilbis thought upon remembering their earlier encounter.
It was almost impossible for him to gauge the level of this other wizard—this Guild Leader’s presence reminded him of the first time he met the Founder.
An unscalable wall felt erected before him, no matter how hard he tried.
And if that wasn’t enough, investigations showed that the Black Shadow Guild Leader wasn’t even a wizard but a Knight.
How could a Knight perform space manipulation like that?
‘Student found.’
As Kilbis contemplated the Black Shadow Guild and their leader, a phrase suddenly popped into his mind.
The Guild Leader had clearly asked earlier where the student was.
‘Could it be they’re here for that student?’
A thought quickly flashed through Kilbis’ mind.
Had the Guild Leader appeared unexpectedly in the O’Neil Kingdom looking for Saint Claire?
Though he was unsure of their exact relationship, this was the only explanation that made sense given the situation.
After all, Saint Claire was a student at Crescent Academy, the very institution where the Third Elder had been active.
‘There is certainly a connection.’
Kilbis’ brain rapidly processed all the information.
Although he hadn’t yet faced the Guild Leader at full power, even that brief encounter was telling.
This opponent was not someone to be trifled with lightly.
Perhaps it would be prudent to keep an ace up his sleeve, just in case.
With the thought completed, Kilbis quickly got to work.
Despite some deviations from the original plan, in broad strokes, things were proceeding as expected.
‘New variables, but under control.’
Kilbis concluded with satisfaction before closing his eyes.
“Everyone, prepare for battle!”
‘Ugh.’
While I had considered the possibility of this happening, now that it actually has, I’m a touch surprised.
The moment the Nameless disappeared, as expected, I became the target.
They apparently have no recollection of nearly being defeated by the Nameless just moments ago, and Captain Ordine is already advancing with his sword drawn toward me.
“…Now is not the time to be arguing amongst ourselves.”
“Shut up! We O’Neils haven’t forgotten the humiliation we suffered at your hands.”
“…Sigh.”
It’s clear that Ordine has no intention of resolving this through discussion.
It’s the same story with the many knights behind him.
That’s right, even though I just saved them by dispelling the black fog.
‘Of course, talking is futile.’
Ideally, I’d settle things with Ordine amicably and then work together to hunt down the Nameless, but that seems impossible with the current state of affairs, especially given Ordine’s evident anger upon seeing me again.
We’re running out of time.
‘By the time we dilly-dally here, something might happen to Elaine.’
Unfortunately, there’s no other alternative.
“There isn’t time.”
“Defend the tree!”
“Huh?”
“That guy must not get close! He’s a master of space manipulation. Be ready!”
“Hmm.”
Ordine proved more perceptive than anticipated.
He not only anticipated my attempt to ignore them and escape but had even issued a command to defend the tree.
Through his earlier conversation with Professor Amillion, I already knew the significance of that tree.
It seemed clear that using that tree would lead either to Elaine or the Nameless.
“There’s something even more urgent going on right now.”
“Shut up.”
Ordine curtly dismissed me, clearly agitated.
There’s honestly nothing else I can do in this situation.
The most expedient way to pursue the Nameless now is simple—defeat Ordine and jump into the warp point.
Swoosh—
Silently opening space with my right hand, I retrieved the Black Shadow Sword.
I took a quick glance at Professor Amillion. His panic and confusion indicated that relying on him now would be folly.
“There isn’t time. This will be quick.”
“That…!”
Wooong! Chaang!
For the first time today, the clear, resonant sound of swords clashing filled the air.
Even though Ordine barely managed to block my surprise attack from a blind side, thanks to spatial movement, he pulled it off.
Chaang! Chaang!
And thus began the proper fight.
Ordine skillfully parried my rapidly advancing blade, seemingly calm despite my aggression.
Although this whole ordeal seems absurd, speed was of the essence in catching up with the Nameless.
No matter how much Ordine would have appreciated a more prolonged duel, I simply couldn’t afford that luxury.
As much as I hated to do it, Ordine had to be taken down quickly.
As expected, dealing with Ordine was not easy going.
Things have changed significantly since a few years ago, when I struggled and often found myself on the defensive against him.
Back then, I was just beginning to integrate spatial techniques into my swordplay, still clunky and awkward.
Now, that’s no longer the case.
Even more so after mastering wind magic alongside spatial manipulation.
Chaang! Chaang! Chaang!
I pushed Ordine relentlessly with rapid and powerful attacks.
Attacking only from unexpected angles kept Ordine preoccupied with defense.
I was certain that if I continued like this, I’d quickly corner him.
Just a little more.
Chaang! Chaang! Chaang!
‘Grr, this guy’s tough.’
Though Ordine seemed to be losing, he was stubbornly holding his ground while occasionally countering my attacks.
Meanwhile, the other knights lurking in the background were an additional pressure.
If I showed even the slightest weakness, I was sure they’d take advantage of my openings from the rear.
Their subtle positioning around me was also annoying.
‘d*mn it, this delay is unacceptable.’
True to form, I’m not cut out for one-versus-many battles.
Right at the moment when that thought crossed my mind.
“Wait!”
Everyone paused momentarily at the sound of the familiar voice.
It was Professor Amillion, staring directly at both Ordine and me, a glimmer of intensity in his eyes.
“We don’t have the time for this nonsense, Captain! One of our students has been captured!”
“…I know that, but there’s nothing we can do. That’s the Black Shadow Guild, the very leader of it.”
“I know all that, but isn’t there something more important than this right now!”
Professor Amillion spat out these words with a mix of anger and frustration.
For a brief, fleeting moment, this diverted the attention of Ordine and the other knights.
Just the opportune window I needed.
Wooong!
Using the split second when Ordine’s gaze turned toward Professor Amillion, I leapt through space.
Up to the top of the tree guarded by the other knights.
“Eh!”
“Stop him!”
Boom!
The startled cry of someone was drowned out by the sound of the air rupturing.
‘Thanks.’
I waved my hand toward Professor Amillion as I surrendered my body to the pull of the spatial vortex.
