Chapter 60

◈ Chapter 60: The Universal Stone (2)

“Hmm.”

Liene, lying on her dorm bed, stared blankly at the ceiling, tossing and turning.

Even with her eyes closed, trying to sleep, sleep wouldn't come.

It wasn't just that the time was earlier than she thought; her mind was also a bit restless.

‘Mr. Rudger finally chose a lab assistant.’

It wasn't particularly strange. After all, someone of Rudger's caliber would have a reason to choose a lab assistant.

However, it was a bit disappointing that the position wasn't hers.

But what had been bothering her for a while was something else.

‘The book about attributeless magic.’

Liene, lying in bed, held the book at her bedside and opened it.

Inside, there were detailed writings about attributeless magic.

It covered the parts that had felt inconvenient to her while casting spells, as well as situations she hadn't yet realized.

This book was filled with such experiences.

For her, who had suffered from the lack of attributes for a long time, this book was something she couldn't obtain even if she paid a fortune.

‘No matter how many times I read it, it continues to resonate with me. Why did Mr. Rudger so readily give this to me? And where did he get it from?’

While I might be a complete novice in magic, I'm not so stupid that I can't recognize the value of this book.

Certainly, the value of this book is not just high; it's astronomical.

If I were to hand it over to the Magic Tower, I could gain immense wealth and fame for life.

But Rudger didn't do that.

He said it wasn't written by him and that it should go to its rightful owner.

‘Then, who wrote this book?’

Every time she opened the book, Liene felt a strange sensation.

The author didn't reveal their name or the reason for writing such a book.

Unknown author.

No matter how much she examined it, she couldn't find any clues about who the author was.

‘But it doesn't feel like it's completely unrelated to me.’

It was just a feeling, but every time she saw the author's handwriting, Liene felt a heavy heart.

An inexplicable sense of familiarity and longing, and a sadness that weighed on her heart.

Liene couldn't understand why she felt this way.

‘It’s strange. I have no idea why I feel this way.’

In the end, Liene had no choice but to close the book.

“Damn it! I should just go to sleep instead of worrying about this!”

Liene pulled the blanket over her head.

But even then, she couldn't fall asleep properly and had to toss and turn for hours.

* * *

I have been traveling across the continent, changing my identity, for a long time.

Sometimes as a mercenary.

Sometimes as a hunter.

Sometimes as a criminal consultant.

And sometimes, again.

The reason for hiding my true self and wandering the world was only one.

‘Relic.’

A mysterious world where magic exists. Within it, ancient artifacts that hold overwhelming secrets.

I wandered the world to find the pieces of the relic I possess.

Even though the sun had set and the night sky was filled with stars, I sat by the window of my lodging, bathed in moonlight.

‘I came here after obtaining information that a relic existed in the empire, but I never expected there to be one in Seorun as well.’

It felt like an unexpected gain.

Of course, I don't think the relic I'm looking for and the <Universal Stone> in Seorun are the same relic.

Since relics come in various types, even if they are called the same, their effects and performance can be entirely different.

However, the rumor that the stone grants wishes must have some basis.

‘I don’t necessarily need the Universal Stone itself, but if I can use it to locate the pieces of the relic I’m looking for...’

In a way, this was an opportunity.

Relics are so rare that they can't be easily found just because you want to.

Even after wandering the continent for a long time and meeting countless people and experiencing all sorts of events, I only have three pieces, including this one.

‘Based on the size and shape of the pieces, there are four left to find.’

To complete one relic, I need to gather all seven pieces.

‘If I can do that, I will surely...’

I silently gazed at the ‘first piece’ in my hand.

When I first obtained it, it was by a series of coincidences.

The last remnants of power contained in this piece of the relic showed me a miracle.

If I could recreate that miracle...

“...”

Beep.

I slowly got up from my seat, as a signal came from the crystal ball I had left for personal communication.

I infused a bit of magic into the crystal ball with my fingertips.

Soon, the crystal ball glowed faintly, and a voice came out.

[Brother. Are you there?]

“Hans?”

The one who contacted me was Hans.

Well, in fact, Hans is the only one who contacts me individually.

It might increase in the future, but not right now.

“What’s up?”

[After the commotion you caused, things are roughly settled.]

“The other organizations, I see.”

[That’s right.]

Hans’s voice, coming from the other side of the crystal ball, was filled with a sense of relief for having completed his task.

“So, how did it go?”

[At least, there’s no one actively opposing us. That’s fortunate for both us and them.]

“Surprisingly, they accepted our presence without much resistance?”

[That’s right. What else could they do? We dismantled the existing criminal syndicate in one day. Well, it was practically you alone.]

“Even so, they are seasoned in the shadows of Redvelk. We can’t ignore them.”

[I know. That’s why I said it was fortunate. We’re not interested in dominance or anything like that; we just need a space to operate.]

“Even so, there must have been a lot of talk about the authority the criminal syndicate held.”

The criminal syndicate handled all sorts of dirty businesses in the underworld of Redvelk.

Drugs, alcohol, gambling.

While the drug trade is one thing, the bars and casinos they ran were on a scale that saw a significant amount of money circulating.

With the organization that handled these suddenly disappearing, things must have gotten quite noisy.

Some would surely try to take advantage of this opportunity to make a move, and others who had never dared before would start to show their heads.

This was a period of chaos.

If someone doesn’t step in to restore order, the alleys would soon be filled with the smell of blood.

[For now, the remaining three organizations are suppressing the situation, but we need to discuss this further.]

“That’s true.”

[Even though we have the upper hand, I can’t handle such negotiations alone. I need your help.]

“When can you do it?”

[The sooner, the better, but it’s not urgent. You decide when you’re comfortable.]

While he says that, I know it can’t be too long.

We need to get to the negotiation table within a week.

I would prefer to move immediately, but...

‘There’s the matter of the Universal Stone, so it’s not feasible right now.’

The Universal Stone will soon be moved from its current storage location to a temporary one.

Information leaked during the preparation process, and rumors spread.

The ones behind this must already know when and where the stone will be moved.

‘It’s definitely the work of the Black Dawn, but the question is who’s leading it.’

I haven’t received any contact yet.

If I had, Sedina would have informed me immediately.

‘I don’t know if another First Order is handling it on their own or if there’s another reason.’

But one thing I can be sure of is that the incident surrounding the Universal Stone will break soon.

So, I can’t leave Seorun right now.

“I’ll come within a week.”

[...Did something happen there?]

“It’s related to a relic.”

[Oh.]

Hans, who is well-informed, immediately understood the gravity of the situation with just the mention of a relic.

[Brother, even though you’re a teacher, it seems you’re getting involved in more incidents than before.]

“I agree.”

[Still, a relic. Hmm. Is it because of Seorun’s prestige? Who would have thought the school would have a relic?]

“It’s a place with a long history and tradition.”

[According to rumors, there’s even a secret dungeon created by the first chancellor. Is that real too?]

“Hans, stop the nonsense.”

[Heh. Just a joke. Anyway, I’ll try to delay the negotiations for a week until you arrive.]

“Thanks. Good work.”

After ending the call with Hans, I silently looked out the window.

‘Relic.’

I didn’t intend to get involved, but I never expected to be caught up in a relic-related incident.

It feels like fate.

Tonight, the moonlight in the night sky seemed unusually cold.

* * *

“Princess, shall I prepare your bath?”

“No, that’s fine. Thank you.”

“Would you like to have dinner?”

“I’m already full.”

“Then, perhaps a snack?”

“I don’t eat anything after dinner. You may leave now.”

The servants, unsure of what to do, bowed their heads and retreated at Erendil’s command.

“Sigh.”

Once alone, Erendil let out a small sigh, careful not to let the servants hear.

If anyone had heard her sigh, they would have pestered her about what was troubling her.

Finally free from others’ gazes, Erendil entered her room.

‘It’s tough.’

While other students were assigned to dormitories, she, as a princess, was given a large mansion to live in.

Even though Seorun treats everyone equally, her royal blood couldn’t be ignored.

Erendil was quite dissatisfied with this.

‘I wanted to live a normal life like other students.’

She genuinely wanted to start a new semester, make new friends, and enjoy her academy life.

But being the third princess, she couldn’t be left alone so easily.

Aside from the grand mansion, the more than 30 servants who treated her with utmost respect were more of a nuisance than a comfort.

‘Still, it’s something I can’t avoid.’

Given her position, Erendil had to accept it.

If she acted on her own without considering others, it would only make the servants and her dedicated maid’s life harder.

To show consideration, she had to give in to their wishes, even if it was inconvenient.

‘But it’s not unbearable.’

Usually, she would have accumulated a lot of stress, but recently, that had decreased.

Erendil had made a friend.

Liene, a very pretty and sincere junior.

The fact that she was a commoner was a concern, but it wasn’t because she looked down on commoners.

Perhaps because she treated Liene without reservation, Erendil felt she was gradually living the life she wanted.

‘If I can make more friends like this, it would be great.’

At least here, she could escape the overbearing touch of her older sister.

Just as she thought this, someone knocked on her door.

Erendil, who had been relaxed, immediately composed herself and asked in a dignified voice.

“What is it?”

“Princess, we have received a message from outside.”

“Message?”

The word ‘message’ made Erendil slightly anxious.

It was impossible for someone to contact the princess directly unless they were of high status.

And usually, such messages were from specific people.

‘It can’t be my sister, right?’

The First Princess.

While they were both heirs to the throne, the First Princess and Erendil didn’t have a particularly bad relationship.

The First Princess had already secured her right to the throne, so there was no competition between siblings.

Erendil didn’t particularly want such a position either.

However, the First Princess showed an unusual amount of affection for Erendil.

Sometimes to the point of being excessive.

‘I’m not a doll for my sister to play with.’

One of the reasons Erendil entered Seorun was to escape her sister’s interference.

It was natural to worry that her sister might try to interfere even here.

Fortunately, the person contacting her now was not the First Princess.

“It’s Sir Terrina Lionholt, the Hero of the Nation.”

“Sir Terrina, the Knight Commander?”

It was unexpected.

Terrina Lionholt, considered the strongest knight in the Exilion Empire, was not someone she expected to contact her.

“Bring it in.”

The servant immediately brought the communication crystal ball and bowed before retreating.

Once she confirmed no one was around, Erendil activated the crystal ball.

“I heard you were looking for me, Sir Terrina.”

[Apologies for contacting you so late at night, Princess Erendil. It’s a matter of urgency.]

“No, it’s fine. I was actually curious about why the Knight Commander would contact me suddenly. What’s the matter?”

[I heard that a werewolf appeared in Seorun recently. Have you heard about it, Princess?]

Of course, she had.

She had faced the werewolf directly.

If Rudger hadn’t appeared to help, she might have been seriously injured.

However, if she mentioned this, it would inevitably lead to concerns about her safety, so Erendil kept it to herself and replied.

“Yes, I heard about it. And that it was resolved quickly.”

[There was also a werewolf incident in Redvelk recently.]

“Really? So, Sir Terrina is in Redvelk now?”

[Yes. I’m investigating an incident related to this.]

“An incident...”

[It’s a matter that needs to be kept secret, so I hope you can forgive me for not being able to share more details.]

“No, that’s fine. No need to worry about that.”

If Terrina was involved, it meant the Security Bureau was also involved.

Naturally, they had to be cautious.

[During my investigation, I confirmed that the werewolf incident was not a natural occurrence.]

“It wasn’t natural?”

[It was a deliberate act. Just as I was tracking the culprit, the trail went cold.]

Terrina Lionholt’s powerful voice echoed through the room from the other side of the crystal ball.

[Princess, do you happen to know who resolved the werewolf incident in Seorun?]