The key figures of the southern branch of the Mage Tower and several mages convened for an urgent meeting. They were all individuals with authority in their respective fields, including circuitry.
The specialist in barrier magic at the southern branch, Francis, distributed two sheets of paper each with circuit diagrams drawn on them to the gathered individuals. Some of those present had seen these before, while others were seeing them for the first time.
“What’s this?”
“One is a circuit diagram of the barrier magic installed on the southern front wall. And the other… let’s take a look.”
The old mage, who had spent his entire life studying circuits, slightly lifted his glasses perched on his nose to scrutinize the two circuit diagrams in detail. As he examined the diagrams, the old man’s face quickly turned to one of astonishment and shock.
“Who drew this?!”
The mages present realized that the new circuit diagram was an improved version of the original barrier magic.
Francis gestured with his palms down to calm the excitement, then explained:
“We first verified the suitability of this circuit diagram. To our surprise, the results were successful. The circuit operated flawlessly, and both performance and efficiency have been enhanced compared to the previous version.”
The bespectacled old mage added, his eyes glowing with excitement.
“It’s remarkably innovative. No, it’s original. It includes circuits that were taught not to be used in barrier magic. Furthermore, it uses circuits considered obsolete and no longer used. Moreover, the composition of the circuit is so meticulous that it’s hard to find any waste. It has subtly changed the entire existing system.”
“That’s right. We only understood how they function together after verifying that they worked as expected. Even what we initially thought were minor mistakes actually increased efficiency when meshed with other circuits.”
Francis pointed out various parts of the circuit diagram as he spoke.
“An old-style circuit from long ago… No… This is also an improved version…!”
“Yes, most things seem to have been improved. Even circuits we thought were outdated have been touched up.”
The size of the circuit diagram was enormous. Counting by basic units, there were easily hundreds of circuits. Finding the outdated circuits alone was daunting. In fact, it was questionable whether the improved outdated circuits could still be called outdated.
The mages looked beyond astonishment, unable to believe their eyes. This discovery alone could fill several books.
“Who on earth…”
Everyone was puzzled.
With the increasing attacks from demons and the need for improvements to barrier magic, they decided to publicly post about it two months ago. Given that the circuit diagram had already undergone numerous improvements, they did not expect any revolutionary changes or even new approaches.
Yet, who could have imagined such incredible results?
“There were reports of someone drawing something near the bulletin board.”
“Who on earth drew this?”
“A handsome young mage was mentioned. However, there is no other information.”
The old mage, a researcher in circuit theory, suddenly stood up and exclaimed.
“We must find him immediately! We must search the entire city, use any means necessary, but we must find him!”
Although an unknown person left the improved circuit diagram, they found it troublesome having just this.
They needed the principle behind why it worked. Not mere speculation based on observation, but the exact principle!
“What if we ask the grace of Her Excellency? She is affiliated with the Mage Tower, isn’t she?”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll take this to the castle.”
The bespectacled old mage gathered the circuit diagrams and stood up. Several junior mages followed him.
“Then let’s move quickly.”
Soon, the entire southern branch began to move busily.
To find the genius who left this circuit diagram.
*
Yuric, who had struggled for days improving the circuit diagram, took a break for a day or two in his room.
Afterward, the handsome mage, who had been cooped up in his room, resumed his city exploration. He visited places he hadn’t seen before, sketched beautiful scenery, watched children play war games in alleyways, and browsed shops displaying dazzling items…
Thirsty from wandering around the city, Yuric entered a cheap tavern nearby. As soon as he entered, the chatter inside surged like a wave. Most of the patrons were mercenaries.
The mage sat at an empty spot next to the counter and ordered a beer. The innkeeper placed a full iron mug of beer in front of Yuric and glanced at his face.
“You’re handsome. Are you a mage?”
“I am a mage, but why do you ask suddenly?”
“These days, the Mage Tower is looking for handsome mages. If someone looks good, they take them all.”
Yuric gave a puzzled expression. At that moment, the furry mercenary sitting to his left, who had been sipping his beer, started talking.
“The lady is also looking for him. She is affiliated with the Mage Tower. It’s said to be related to circuit diagrams or something.”
“…Circuit diagrams?”
“I don’t know what mages are talking about. How many here can read? That’s just what they say.”
At that moment, the pockmarked mercenary sitting to Yuric’s right joined the conversation.
“Someone drew a circuit diagram on the branch bulletin board. They’re searching the whole city for the person who drew it. Posters are everywhere. Didn’t you know? You’ve only been here for a short time?”
The handsome mage’s gaze shifted toward the pockmarked mercenary.
“Oh, they said the principle explanation was needed… Ah, yes, there’s a big reward too. That’s why many fakes are trying to get involved.”
Yuric finished the remaining beer in one gulp, thanked the mercenaries, and patted their shoulders before buying them another round.
He hurriedly stepped out of the tavern and headed towards the place where posters were posted. Since most people couldn’t read, only a few who could read were standing in front of the posters.
Yuric read the poster thoroughly. It wasn’t much different from what he had heard in the tavern.
The southern branch is looking for the mage who drew the circuit diagram on the bulletin board. Young and handsome.
Below, the circuit diagram was kindly illustrated.
And now, he was certain.
“This… is me?”
—
Countess Angel Hring, a mage affiliated with the Mage Tower, decided to provide all possible support upon hearing the news.
“I won’t hold back on supporting the search for this person.”
With Angel’s support, the officials of the Mage Tower threw themselves into finding the handsome mage.
They posted flyers, searched for witnesses, scoured the streets, offered rewards, and spread rumors.
However, despite all efforts, only unrelated people were bustling about in the southern branch. It was almost impossible to count how many times the Mage Tower had rushed to the scene upon hearing rumors of a handsome mage.
Upon arriving at the scene, they only found mages who barely resembled the handsome type, not even knowing what a circuit was.
Three days after posting the flyer, fewer people came claiming to be the mage. Even when searching for young mages without focusing on handsomeness, there was no result.
Including Angel, the officials of the Mage Tower began to worry that the person might have already left the city. Frankly, given the lack of appearance until now, the possibility had become quite high.
Still, they didn’t give up and continued searching for the handsome mage while also intensifying their research on the circuit diagrams.
Especially Angel, who was both a countess and passionate about circuit research, felt her breath catch every time she analyzed the circuit by breaking it down. Even someone as unimpressed as her felt this way; the other mages must feel the same.
After a long period of research, Angel noticed the sun setting as she looked out the window.
Countess Angel decided to take a break and left the research building for the garden in Sector 4. Her bodyguard quietly followed behind.
As she circled the garden, she went to the corridor where the poster with the circuit diagram was displayed. With the day almost over, few people were around in the corridor.
Lost in thought, Angel reached her destination and noticed someone standing in front of the poster. The man was intently staring at the circuit diagram.
He turned his head towards Angel, who approached from nearby. A slight glint appeared in her eyes as she recognized his face.
Handsome.
And a mage.
Angel carefully observed the subject, matching the witness description.
Once, twice, three times.
With each observation, her eyes filled with certainty.
This man,
was exactly the person they had desperately sought.
