Chapter 42

It is precisely because the seeds are never fully revealed that magic remains magic.

Among the irksome group of recluses known as the “Dawn派人,” Agrippina had come to truly appreciate the words of the only master she recognized, now realizing anew just how truthful they were.

Various objects zipped past her eyes—dishes, sundries, spare candles, and even books. However, though it appeared at first glance as chaotic and unordered, all the items moved according to the “ordered chaos,” tracing a disciplined picture in the air.

A cup that had contained tea just moments ago zoomed toward the entrance, then sharply changed trajectory, disappearing neatly into the modest washing area by the workshop. The books scattered from the bookshelf due to an apprentice’s sudden tantrum returned swiftly but gently to their places in perfect order, despite the astonishing speed.

To an untrained observer, it might look as though some ghost was wreaking havoc, but the truth was far simpler.

“That child still needs to learn a few more tricks—despite not being dull-headed…”

Her apprentice, Erich, had panicked over being very late, and in doing so, he had used “all he had” to clean up the morning duties with remarkable efficiency.

She really did know Erich’s capabilities. From the monster hunting three months ago to the various minor incidents on their recent journey, she had witnessed everything. The way he had quickly incapacitated a thug when she was slightly annoyed and sought to “play around,” demonstrated commendable work worthy of her approval.

Still, his current actions were even more refined—indeed, incomparably so—than before.

Her long-lived perspective easily discerned the surge of magical power cultivated over the years. Erich’s “<Invisible Hand>” technique had grown in number and accuracy. More impressively, she wondered how he managed to process such an increase in ‘hands’ mentally.

She had always known him to be an astute child, but he was, undoubtedly, extraordinary. While the occasional “genius” might emerge from the human race, transcending the ordinary to an extent that even startled long-lived beings, it was rare for such a person to leave even them in awe.

However, flaunting such prowess so blatantly was heavily frowned upon, even if it was in front of his employer or siblings.

After all, sorcerers and mages were professions fundamentally built on catching opponents off guard with their initial display of power.

Magic and sorcery are difficult techniques to handle. Without sufficient knowledge, even a seasoned soldier could fall in battle against a newly awakened mage.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to counter. Just as no absolute justice or evil exists, there is no such thing as a perfect mage either.

For example, imagine a master who can control even concept-level flames, flames that physically should not burn certain objects but can still “burn” them in other ways.

An excellent combat mage might pause, considering strategic options, faced with such an opponent. However, once the ace or fighting style is revealed, anyone can devise countermeasures.

For instance, a simple defensive spell could eliminate the source of combustion to quell the flames. Conventional magic can also be met with a phase-reversed magic for annihilation. And even lethal flames could be rendered powerless through the interaction with certain magical barriers.

These are all possible strategies, which, while complex, can be achieved if enough mages collaborate and refine their conjurations. Beyond that, it becomes a brute-force contest where skill matters little.

That is, when a mage’s tricks are exposed, their effectiveness diminishes.

That’s why Agrippina refrains from using all her strength and doesn’t loudly proclaim her specialty. Even her writings are deliberately vague, diverting from the main point and subtly embedding falsehoods in her truths.

This isn’t just her—it’s true for all mages. They harbor ruthless “gotcha-kills” or “first-encounter-kills” as precautionary measures, for in their pursuit of research, preserving their “self”—the most crucial component—is vital.

Not a single researcher or professor in this magic academy truly reveals themselves here. In fact, compared to them, even Agrippina might be considered somewhat “pure.”

Magicians are not ones to casually divulge their entire arsenal—especially not for something as trivial as a parent’s funeral. Yet, the sight of her apprentice’s frantic attempts was so absurd that it was comical even to her, a seasoned mage. Despite the situation being not serious enough to warrant such an effort, she dismissed it casually with a “Looking forward to working together next time”.

Erich’s “hand” was commendable: a perfectly viable first-encounter trick. With just a little more refinement, it could serve as a decent bluff—and given the potential, even something to k*ll unsuspecting opponents with.

Still, flaunting this openly was ruinous.

It was likely due to the lack of adequate mage education. No matter how good—or bad—he might be, to her, he was still just a child and a sorcerer.

The question now was what hidden ace should she grant such a child, and with this thought, Agrippina found herself genuinely pleased by the dilemma.

If she were to teach him the way of the mage in battle, surely he would become an entity so unruly that it would be difficult to contain…

Reading a true paper written by a mage is a daunting endeavor, akin to risking one’s life. Since their papers never explicitly lie, the truth is obscured in convoluted language—perhaps a result of their own exhibitionism.

Deep underground within the Magic Academy, carved into the bedrock stood the “Great Repository,” whose grandeur was so overwhelming it might inspire reverence, transcending mere understanding.

Any means employed to create such an expansive space underground would surely be impressive enough, yet the sheer scale was incomprehensible. The countless shelves of books resembled a mountain range composed of colorful volumes of both ancient paper and metal.

The scale of this “mountain range” was such that gazing at it for too long would distort your sense of distance. Worse, scattered among the shelves, you could find books enormous enough to rival a human and others as small as the palm of your hand, creating further optical illusions. It was rumored that without a guide, one could easily become lost and return as a starved corpse—making this space a genuinely perilous realm.

Each individual bookshelf, enveloped in a blue protective membrane, swayed gently, as if the sleeping “giant” of knowledge was in a serene slumber.

This was a scene to captivate any book lover or admirer of fantastical landscapes.

“…If only they didn’t force me to dress up like an idiot, I might’ve been moved to genuine awe much more quickly.”

The day after spending an entire day lost in thought while soaking in a bathtub, I came the next morning, tardy to an embarrassing degree, to the invitation to visit the repository.

My outfit today was an elaborate gown in deep blue fabric embroidered with flashy golden patterns. A hat with an exaggerated brim adorned with bird feathers completed the ensemble. I had to wonder: “What sort of costume parade am I participating in?”

I wallowed in despair before the mirror—a truly pitiful sight.

To think, how do they manage to degrade human dignity to such an extent? At least could they make the hat smaller? And please take away these annoying feathers. And the padding at the shoulders? I’d prefer my movements not restricted, and there was no need for me to resemble a girl knight from a comic.

It was evident that the title of the Imperial Capital was not given lightly. Many leading ladies of the northern district, where the nobility resided, were trendsetters. Hence, their escorts were also highly fashionable—but why must it catch their attention?

I didn’t mind standing out, but not in a negatively exaggerated way. It would’ve been nice to be noticed for more admirable reasons. I could almost cry…

Yesterday, I mentioned that my weakness was being soft-hearted, but perhaps my mental strength should also be included in that statement.

Even upon arriving at the Magic Academy, that uncomfortable attention followed me until I entered the “Middle Shelf” area—where only the professor’s permission or a companion was allowed. This might get around too soon—perhaps I should avoid coming here for a while.

“Ah, how adorable!”

This evaluation came from the librarian…Ah yes, they’re the one who usually stands at the reception. Could it be a rotating schedule?

In any case, I wasn’t strong enough mentally to calmly accept such praise from someone I’d likely encounter again in the future.

“Um, may I know where individual room number two is…?”

I hid my red face under the hat as I asked about the meeting location. The librarian then kindly led me there with a warm smile.

“Just k*ll me now.”

“Oh wow! Good! This is great! You know what? It doesn’t really matter! Doesn’t matter at all!”

This was Lord Raizenitz, who made me want to shout “enough, shut up, just k*ll me already” with his carefree demeanor. He must have recognized me as an enemy, thus triggering my TRPG player instincts telling me to either k*ll him or prepare to be killed, bolstering my wavering resolve.

Without a doubt, he’s one of those villains listed under undead creatures rather than under a “connections” page. He hovered and flitted around me, asking me to pose for no apparent reason.

Of course, I complied, trying my best to smile naturally.

Considering the knowledge of magic as the cost, this wasn’t cheap—but if I had to weigh strength against dignity, the former was far more valuable, especially for someone like me…

Unquestionably, my pride is worth next to nothing, and it’s cheap enough. Honestly, when the data gets a little tight, a player like me isn’t averse to underhanded means…

Poisoning food, hostage-taking, cowardly back-attacks, firebombing entire facilities, flooding by rerouting waterways, and even dropping diseased corpses to spread plagues are all common practices for trivial session bonuses…

These characters have no room for pride, so where’s the issue in smiling at a 200-year-old pervert with obsequious grins?

Compared to the humiliation of being forced into cross-dressing and reciting poetry, this was a small price to pay. After enduring this ordeal, I finally obtained what I had come for…

Magic knowledge, and more importantly, the advice from a mage who had held their position for two centuries.

“Combat-oriented magic, is it?”

“Yes, I aspire to become an adventurer someday.”

“You know… maybe you’d be better suited as a squire or guard? You’re already proficient in magic, and your etiquette is impeccable. Besides, your charming companion with pointed ears provides more than enough validation of your standing, despite his carefree demeanor.”

Upon hearing such reasonable advice, I was reminded that she’s a teacher, and not just some twisted pervert.

Since it was an old dream, I mentioned as much, to which she seemed to deliberate for a while before conceding with a small sigh—though “breathing” would be inappropriate—and provided several spellbooks.

“Alright, I think it would be better to teach Mr. Erich more about how a mage fights rather than just combat magic.”

A chill ran down my spine, a fear unlike the gentle tones of Margit. It brought back the fear I felt the first time I encountered a monster, the feeling of shields whizzing past my back.

The incomprehensible “something” you confront and feel utterly powerless against…

“Let me clarify, this isn’t my personal theory but something shared by all combat mages of the ‘Dawn派’ faction.”

Faced with a book that looked thoroughly worn from many repairs, she straightened her expression and posture, instantly commanding respect as a professor of this academy rather than someone of undead origins.

Do truly great people intentionally vex others?

“Mr. Erich, how do you think we make living things d*e?”

The question was disarmingly simple. To someone who aims to study combat magic, the ultimate purpose boils down to this answer.

And I knew it.

“You just k*ll them.”

Though it may sound like a non-answer to some, when directed at someone from the Dawn派, I was fully confident it wasn’t wrong.

“Yes, that’s correct—a living thing will d*e if you k*ll it. Even for someone as close to d*ath as me, there exist ways,” Lord Raizenitz affirmed with a gentle smile, tracing her own neck with a translucent finger.

“All entities that can be killed have weaknesses. For humans, it could be the neck or the brain. For monsters or magical beasts, it could also include magic crystals. Even something like me, whose ‘state’ as a living being differs from that of flesh, has a core concept known as an ‘existence bone’… so magic and sorcery also have corresponding vulnerabilities.”

If you have the knowledge to exploit such weaknesses, you don’t even need much besides a spoon to crack an egg. Announcing this with a dazzling smile, Professor Raizenitz opened the tome.

“Now, this does touch on somewhat gray areas, but as no one but us is around today, I’ll indulge in a brief lecture for you, aspiring adventurer.”

She raised her finger and began enthusiastically explaining. It was at this moment that I finally understood what I had felt when I first encountered the Dawn派—the difference between using magic in combat and fighting as a “mage.”

The Dawn派. Those who use magic to benefit the world and bring forth the light of progress. They’re undoubtedly data-driven and romanticizers of efficiency…

Practitioners of data manipulation and lovers of optimization alike could be considered their counterparts…

【Tips】Great Repository. Divided into “Shallow” zones for lecture attendees and general bureaucrats, “Middle” zones requiring certain magical abilities, and the “Deep” zones so dangerous they’re akin to forbidden libraries. Over the five centuries since the Threefold Empire began its pursuit of magic, the “sleeping giants” of knowledge amassed here were described by the head librarian as a “colossal bomb capable of leveling the empire into barren land.”

Uh, the bookmarks have reached 7,000, and the total page views exceed a million. Thank you all so much for continuing to read my work; I’m truly overwhelmed. While it feels like a milestone, I don’t see this as the end, but as a reason to push forward and keep living my best life.

And sorry—I’ve been a bit tired from work and haven’t been able to respond to everyone’s comments. I’ll try to catch up slowly, so please bear with me.

The next update is scheduled for 19:00 on February 21, 2019.