Chapter 33: Visit (4)
-Hello, Ossera.
-Nice to see you, important person.
Some time ago.
Asela Fraus arrived at the Tower of Space-Time.
The Tower of Space-Time greeted her warmly. Though it maintained a closed-off policy, it was always open to talent for its ultimate goal.
Asela Fraus was exactly the kind of genius they were looking for.
Naturally, they couldn’t help but welcome her warmly.
-Do you still hear strange whispers every night?
-Hehe, I’m fine. Lately, I don’t hear them much, and as always, it doesn’t bother me at all.
-That’s good. So, why are you here?
-I have a favor to ask.
Asela handed over a piece of paper containing information about [Evan Alkart].
-Please [Observe] whether Evan Alkart is lying or not.
-Hmm, lying?
-He’s deceiving the entire continent with false claims of talent. Because of this, the harm I face is immense…
The Tower of Space-Time disliked nothing more than fake geniuses, as they wasted their precious time searching for true talents. Occasionally, real geniuses were buried under jealousy and envy.
They didn’t directly intervene unless someone claimed loudly that they were from the Tower.
-But interfering isn’t within my jurisdiction. We need to discuss it.
-Of course. I’ll wait here for your answer.
It was the first time such a request had been made. Usually, magicians connected with the Tower of Space-Time were indifferent to worldly matters.
Inside the tower, discussions began.
Should they interfere or not?
Although Evan was rumored to be a genius, he hadn’t harmed anyone. His influence only extended to the underworld. Normally, they wouldn’t intervene.
However,
-To recruit Asela Fraus, wouldn’t it be okay to grant this small favor?
The opinion of the eldest elder was strong.
-This is an investment! An investment for our long-held wish!
-Didn’t you say you’re retiring soon?
-It’s my last investment, staking my entire life. You know her talent is precious. We must secure her at all costs.
‘Isn’t it risky since you gambled several times and failed?’
Opportunities for the Tower of Space-Time to challenge were few. Time wasn’t infinite, nor was the space they could occupy.
Sometimes, even necessary gambles had to be taken.
If Evan truly was a genius, that would be good too. They could recruit him as a colleague or bring him into the Tower’s ranks.
Otherwise?
Just a warning would suffice.
At that moment, Ossera stepped forward.
-I’ll go.
-Ossera, you?
-I’ll just take a stroll and observe briefly before returning.
-If Ossera says so, we can trust her. Go ahead. And if he’s an outstanding talent, don’t forget to recruit him.
-Of course.
Ossera was one of the wizards loyal to the Tower of Space-Time.
Currently, she was regarded as a future star, possessing talent comparable to the [Maiden of the Night Sky], who had left the Tower.
A wizard trusted by everyone in the Tower. She was sent off without any suspicion.
‘Maybe I’ll get to meet my sister.’
Ossera and the Maiden of the Night Sky were very close. Rather than seeing each other as competitors due to their similar talents, they considered themselves companions walking the same path—like family.
There was no jealousy between them.
Neither of them was trivial enough to be consumed by such petty emotions.
Their relationship soured when the Maiden left the Tower and they haven’t met since.
Now was the chance, and Ossera wasn’t going to let it slip.
As soon as she left, she secretly sent a letter, and fortunately, the Maiden responded.
-Long time no see, Ossera. How have you been? I am currently… in the Kingdom of Demesia.
The Kingdom of Demesia!
Outside the empire. A kingdom ruled by the strongest knight, Jian Bai, known for its military might, which was said to rival the empire.
However, its geographical location wasn’t advantageous. Close to the desert, the land was barren, crops didn’t grow well, and monsters periodically attacked.
A country that suited the compassionate nature of the Maiden, who couldn’t avoid helping those in need.
-But, don’t come yet, Ossera.
-It’s not our time yet.
-I also… miss those days. Not the current Tower, but the past Tower, the days we played under the night sky together…
The current Tower of Space-Time had changed.
Originally, its goal was to watch the ‘stars,’ but somewhere along the way, it adopted an entirely different objective. Disappointed by this change, the Maiden left.
No one, not even Ossera, could compare to her overwhelming talent.
-Ps. Sister is sorry.
‘Sister…’
Still, Ossera was happy. Even though it had been a while, exchanging letters with the Maiden was satisfying. Having achieved her purpose, Ossera relaxed, deciding to finish her task and return.
Evan Alkart?
Not particularly interesting.
Despite his notorious reputation and rumors of talent, there was no reason to worry. The fame of the Alkart family was impressive, but ultimately, it fell under the emperor’s jurisdiction.
Evan was merely used as an excuse.
That’s what she thought.
‘…Could it be that his talent isn’t visible?’
Failure in observation.
It was the first time this had happened.
Quite talented, though not on par with the Maiden of the Night Sky. Enhanced spatial awareness despite being blindfolded. Sensitivity to souls usually invisible to the naked eye.
Yet, she felt nothing.
Perhaps his talent was extraordinary enough that Ossera couldn’t even perceive it.
And then, the reaction related to the Maiden of the Night Sky.
‘This wasn’t just a casual inquiry.’
Evan’s talent was beyond what Ossera could observe—extraordinary enough to reach a higher dimension.
Such a person showed interest in fate—not mere curiosity but part of a larger plan.
‘…Impressive.’
Ossera marveled.
To possess such talent and yet remain humble, striving for a better destiny—what grand vision was he painting?
Asela’s request had long faded from her mind. This wasn’t ordinary talent; it transcended the mundane. Naturally, Asela’s request should vanish.
‘…At this level… maybe….’
Could she meet the Maiden again through Evan?
A small desire.
An emotion that shouldn’t exist for someone dreaming of great causes bubbled in her chest.
“…The location of the Maiden, yes, I know it.”
“Really?”
“What? How did you find out? Did you chase her away and now act like a stalker?”
At Eris’ words, Ossera twisted her lips.
“Certainly not. We simply share an acquaintance.”
“Hmph.”
“Do you perhaps want to know the Maiden’s location?”
“…Yes. If it’s not too much trouble.”
Polite tone.
Curiosity grew on multiple fronts. What kind of person was this, impossible to observe?
‘I actually want to meet them face-to-face.’
Then,
“Evan, Evan.”
A young voice caused Ossera to flinch.
The observed body and soul. The soul was so large it devoured the body, ominous and fiery.
Though aware, she had half-ignored it until now.
‘Is this… anger?’
Red, red, and more red. A distorted soul. Enough to make her swallow dryly.
Could it return to its original state?
The answer came immediately. When Evan approached, the soul normalized.
Evan wasn’t the target of the anger.
“May I ask one question?”
“Of course.”
“Who asked you to check up on Evan?”
Ossera hesitated, startled. How did he know?
Did he notice the [Observation]? [Observation] wasn’t ordinary magic.
A type of celestial magic, now classified separately as space magic due to mutation, undetectable by adversaries.
How did he figure it out?
“I won’t say anything.”
Evan didn’t seem overly upset. He needed to do something since he couldn’t see.
Besides, it was partly voluntary, partly forced. If he was pitiful, he deserved some consideration.
“Will you answer my question?”
“…I apologize for my rudeness. It’s acceptable to inform such an esteemed person.”
Ossera apologized politely and continued.
“Do you know Lady Asela Fraus?”
Another familiar name. Evan frowned slightly. By now, it was almost a relief.
“…I do know her, but why?”
“She requested us to verify whether your talent is genuine or not.”
‘Now I’m the target?’
In the original story, Leo was the target. Had she assumed one problem was dealt with already?
“…Her perception is mistaken, but your talent is too immense for me to perceive.”
‘…Too immense? Isn’t it rather too small?’
Could it be micro-dust-level talent?
Preferably so. Quietly living and fading away unnoticed sounded ideal.
With luck, things would return to normal soon.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding.”
“?”
“My talent isn’t hidden because it’s immense; it’s hidden because it’s small.”
“???”
“???”
“???”
Lapis, Ossera, and Eris all looked at him as if he was talking nonsense.
…Why doesn’t anyone understand? Feeling aggrieved, Evan kept silent. The gazes were too intimidating… though he was right, anyway.
“…As an apology, I will offer you spatiotemporal grass and one space magic.”
“But…”
“It’s my apology; please accept it.”
Her resolute tone left no room for argument. Evan nodded, while Eris shot her a sharp glare.
Petty!
Evan found it amusing but understood.
Why argue over this?
“I’ll tell you where the Maiden is.”
At Ossera’s words, Evan leaned in attentively. His posture was impeccable, so the difference wasn’t noticeable.
“On the outskirts of the Kingdom of Demesia, at the sacred ground of arenas.”
Ossera stated calmly.
“A place where the stars shine brightly… she is there.”
‘Ah.’
Evan’s mouth opened wide.
‘Why does it have to be the Kingdom of Demesia?’
The kingdom ruled by the Mad Knight Jian Bai. Naturally, it was far.
About a week’s journey. Maybe he should just skip it?
But it was such a great opportunity. A chance to meet the Maiden directly, to encounter his favorite character. Could he resist?
No, even if Evan prioritized safety, he couldn’t pass this up.
Evan nodded.
“…I see. Thank you.”
“No need to thank me… here’s the spatiotemporal grass.”
Swish!
Ossera pulled out an item from the bag slung around her waist and handed it over.
Spatiotemporal grass. Symbolizing space, it emitted a mix of blue and purple light, giving off an eerie impression as if it were poisonous.
Evan received it carefully. Of course, via a Golem.
“What kind of space magic would you like?”
“Anti-space magic, please.”
“…Is that enough? A magic that erases all air within a region of space or…”
“It’s fine.”
Evan declined politely.
Wow!
Why learn a spine-chilling magic like that?
It wasn’t Evan’s style, prioritizing safety. Armor that manipulates dimensions, increasing distance infinitely using spatial anomalies, seemed better. Supposedly, it made combat extremely safe since physical contact with enemies was impossible.
“Understood. Here’s the sigil, and the scroll. I’ll teach you step by step. Ah, and this…”
Hesitating after pulling something out, Ossera finally handed it over.
“If you happen to meet the Maiden… please give this to my sister.”
It was a single letter. Well, it wasn’t much of a burden. Again, a Golem took it from her.
“Understood.”
He wasn’t planning to leave immediately. He needed to master the magic, prepare gifts, and craft protective equipment.
Thorough preparation was essential.
Even if he couldn’t deliver it right away, he could take his time, right?
Meanwhile, Eris watched anxiously.
*
On the outskirts of the Kingdom of Demesia, atop a high mountain peak where stars always shone brilliantly.
“Cough, cough!”
The usually tranquil desert was filled with the screams of the dead.
Corpses covering the mountain, rivers of crimson blood flowing.
Amidst the pile of bodies, a wandering knight struggled to lift his head.
Countless stars adorned the beautiful night sky above. Beneath them, atop the sandy hill, stood a solitary figure.
Robes unstained by a single drop of blood.
The wandering knight muttered in despair upon seeing this sight.
“The Maiden of the Night Sky…”
The perpetrator of the corpses covering the mountain and the rivers of blood.
None other than the Saint known as the Maiden of the Night Sky.
