Episode 32: The Visit (3)
Named characters with neutral alignment.Not good, not evil.Those who prioritize their own will or the will of their group.
In this case, when acting according to the group’s will,their tendencies split into two major categories:“Even if the world collapses, we’re fine, right?” – the type that abandons everything,and “The collapse of the world is also a natural flow” – the type that passively lets things be.
Iges and Osera belonged precisely to those two types of groups.They leaned slightly toward good, helping players a little but only to an extent.They weren’t helpful enough to be called allies.But…
“Evan Alkart fits us perfectly. He’s an alchemist, right? And even the youngest one?”“Just because of that, do we need to force affiliation? The Tower of Space-Time is ready to embrace any talent.”“Embrace my ass! You just want to bury him inside!”“It’s not burying, it’s protection. Do you know how many people envy and try to harm someone born with talent after long years?”
‘Why are they fighting over me?’Evan’s expression naturally turned awkward.Well, fighting is whatever, let’s say.But…‘I never said I’d join anywhere.’Their premise was that ‘Evan’ would belong to some group.Evan had no such intention.Satisfied with belonging only to the Dukedom, support is plentiful, lodging and food are provided.It’s a decent place as long as you can handle the physical discomforts.Alchemy tower? Tower of Space-Time?Either way, he didn’t care.Connections were all he needed.Why control everything like the protagonist?For no reason at all?Let things roll on their own.
Nevertheless, regardless of Evan’s wishes, they kept drumming and clashing gongs repeatedly.“An alchemist must come to the Alchemy Tower! To a place where you can truly thrive in your profession, don’t you know?”“Do you really think the Alchemy Tower is a place where you can grow as an alchemist? Their brains are blocked due to resisting time… They might hinder the growth of such a precious person instead.”“Could you say that in front of the other elders?”“Of course. I’m fair to everyone.”
Osera’s head briefly glanced at Evan before returning to its original position.“Except for our esteemed guest.”“Ah, really~?”Simply put, the Alchemy Tower is a group of old farts.True words, but being criticized and hearing criticism from others feel different.Iges’ lips trembled.“So, did you drive out the Seer of the Night Sky with your arrogance?”This time, Iges’ lips stiffened.Clearly hit the mark.
‘Was the Seer of the Night Sky from the Tower of Space-Time?’A seer who read constellations, predicted fortunes, and read destinies.She roamed the entire continent, her appearances always unknown.One thing was certain: the Seer’s [purpose].She was a good character.Not a helper but a genuinely good character.Loving humanity, she helped guide them to a better path through fortune-telling.Somewhere, they called the ‘Seer’ a ‘Witch’ and wanted to kill her—what foolishness.‘Geez, tsk tsk. The Seer is one of the few saints.’Gentle personality, never betraying, spreading goodwill.Beautifully designed too.Evan’s favorite character.Though she didn’t appear much, she always made impactful entrances.Surprisingly.The wandering Seer of the Night Sky would arrive, read the stars, see destinies, help, and finally sacrifice herself to die.Her last words were iconic scenes.“…Don’t be too sad, Esteemed One. This is something I did for myself… This time, I won…”[Noble Sacrifice].Imagining it makes me tear up a bit.‘Maybe this time I can get connected with the Seer?’
As Evan seriously considered this, Osera’s stiffened mouth began to retort.“…She wasn’t expelled by us. She left on her own.”“That’s the same thing. Why would she leave on her own? Because you guys were disgusting. Why keep such a precious talent in a place like that?”Iges smirked, confident he’d gained the upper hand.“At least we don’t quit.”“Isn’t that what you’re forcing?”“Hey, it’s too cruel to throw someone away when their level drops, right? First comrades are forever comrades; we take care of them until the end.”
Truthfully, saying they go until the end, they actually suck the marrow dry.When forgotten, they quietly discard them.Cleanly handling the aftermath so there’s no bad talk.That’s why Evan disliked the Alchemy Tower.No feelings, none at all.
“Alright, Evan!”Confident he had the upper hand, Iges turned around and spread his arms wide toward Evan.“Who do you like more between us? At this point, I think I’ve done all the PR!”“Esteemed One.”Osera modestly clasped her hands together and slightly bowed.Hmm.Kind of resembles the Seer a bit.“Please make a wise choice.”Saying that while staring at Evan.Though her eyes couldn’t be seen, her intense passion could be felt.The passion to seduce Evan at all costs!“I’m going insane.”
Let’s change the subject first.We need a proper conversation.“…By the way, what exactly do I gain by joining either of your towers?”“We’ll give you Time-Space Herb.”“I’ll give you the Forgotten Great Alchemist’s research book.”“…Then, along with Dimension Herb, I’ll teach you a ‘Space Magic.’”“Then I’ll teach you ‘Magic Enchantment’ too.”
The two locked eyes again.Sparks flew.Auction time!Whoever wins gets Evan!
*
“I’ll give you Time-Space Herb and two Space Magics.”“Research book, Magic Enchantment, Potion Synthesis.”“Along with Dimension Herb, I’ll teach you ‘Time Magic’.”
Lapis looked at Evan with shining eyes while munching on a cucumber.These two women, raising stakes strangely, but both were considerable big shots.Representatives of their respective factions.Their initial purpose seemed slightly impure.Not enough to raise the sin of anger in Las, but still unsettling somehow?Now, there’s none of that.Genuine.They were honestly raising stakes based on Evan’s talent.‘Heh. This is it.’With Frey gone now, every peaceful day was getting boring.Never imagined he’d find this kind of fun.‘Evan probably anticipated all of this.’Starting to build an orphanage suddenly after Frey appeared?Accepting the flimsy excuse of wanting independence?Indeed, Frey’s independence was all part of the plan.So, these people raising stakes must also be within Evan’s grand scheme.
“…Wow. Impressive?”Iges wiped his sweat-drenched hair.“The Tower of Space-Time has quite a lot of money, huh?”“Currency changes value over time, but ultimately, it remains necessary.”“…Alright. Good.”Iges’ eyes shone seriously.Turning slightly to look at Evan, he pulled out a piece of paper.Words written: [Floor Admission Ticket].“If you come, I’ll give you a chance to see the Philosopher’s Stone.”“!”Philosopher’s Stone!Even though Osera wasn’t an alchemist, she knew the value of the Philosopher’s Stone.The core maintaining the Alchemy Tower now.The ultimate king of all alchemy, containing the essence of everything.Rumored to grant any wish.‘Che, dirty trick!’Pulling out the Philosopher’s Stone already?Still…“…Hmm, not really?”It didn’t resonate much with Evan.“After all, it’s not omnipotent.”Before reincarnation, Evan had seen the end of alchemy through the alchemist route.[Homunculus], [Elixir], [Philosopher’s Stone].The completion of the three essences.The Philosopher’s Stone was certainly useful, but ultimately, it was still a human creation.It couldn’t create knowledge that didn’t exist, like the Emerald Tablet.‘Rather than the Alchemy Tower… the Tower of Space-Time is better.’The reason?Drawn to the ‘Space Magic’ and ‘Time-Space Herb’ offered by the Tower of Space-Time.Still haven’t inscribed any magic on the ring.Asking for one wouldn’t hurt, right?‘Still, receiving offers like this feels weird.’Setting aside the issue of affiliation, the rewards were too excessive.Isn’t this like pulling out the foundation of the Magic Tower?‘Even if I accept, it’ll cause indigestion.’It might seem good now.But in exchange, I’d attract tons of attention.As the guy who pulled out the foundation of the Magic Tower!Now is the time to step back as a generous man.Absolutely not because of fear of retaliation.“…Alright, let’s stop the auction here. I have no intention of joining any group right now.”“What? Why?!”“Why is that?”To the two questions, Evan thought carefully.An appropriate excuse… Ah!There’s one.“Because I’m not an adult yet.”Evan said calmly.“I’m still under my parents’ protection. I don’t want to leave the Dukedom.”“…”“Uh, yeah. That’s a valid point.”Already seems like an adult, though?Heard he hasn’t held an adulthood ceremony yet…But looking at his tone and emotional control, he was more mature than most adults.Still, since he says so.The two reluctantly accepted.Here, Evan is the client.No need to upset him unnecessarily.“But, I do have a few requests.”
Evan continued, thinking it was fortunate they understood.“Of course, I’ll pay a fair price. From now on, we can exchange letters and maintain a good relationship. How does that sound?”“I’m fine with it. Always welcome.”Iges immediately replied with a smile.Although being rejected by the Alchemy Tower was shocking.Still, exchanging messages in the future might change his mind!‘Must recruit him at all costs.’Iges firmly resolved.“I agree too.”Osera also agreed.Evan sighed in relief inside.‘Phew, saved.’This isn’t bad, right?Less aggressive proposals in the future.After all, we’re friends.“What I want is Dimension Herb, one Space Magic, and…”Should I say this?My mouth went dry for a moment.This is the opportunity.The last chance to possibly find her irregular location.…Alright.Let’s go.Evan!You can do it!“Where is the Seer of the Night Sky?”“!”Upon hearing the name “Seer of the Night Sky,” Osera reacted strongly.“Why are you asking about her?”“I have some questions about fate.”‘This should be okay, right?’Doesn’t seem like I have any strange motives, right?What Evan wants is friendship.Being able to exchange letters whenever needed is enough.Nothing immediate desired.No plans to ask her to read the future or predict fortunes.Evan, being a gentleman, tended to overthink when seeing such things, although he denied it himself.‘To see the future, you’d have to pay some sort of price.’Why bother?Things will work out fine anyway.“Will it be difficult?”“…”Osera paused briefly.Her bandaged eyes stared intently at Evan.Osera’s mind was complex, but clear at the moment.‘Unobservable emotions and talents. And interest in fate…’Osera, who had spent her life studying space-time, was unparalleled in aptitude.Better than the departed Seer, even.Yet, she couldn’t see anything?Unless Evan is a foreigner from another dimension, it doesn’t make sense.Either talent is too insignificant or too extraordinary.The latter, probably.If talent were absent, the golem hidden in the shadows wouldn’t have been ‘observed.’The youngest alchemist, Evan Alkart.The rumors about him were not exaggerated at all.If anything, they were understated.And his great interest in fate…‘…Seems like, Acella.’Osera’s lips curved into a smile.‘Looks like you’re mistaken about him.’Recalling the proposal Acella made not long ago…
