Chapter 45

◈ Chapter 45. A Series of Surprises (2)

Matthias Dean Karl.

He was also a wizard of the Magic Tower.

A wizard who yearned for truth and explored the unknown.

In a way, Matthias had a stronger desire than any other wizard in the Magic Tower.

After all, Matthias was walking the path of 'Black Magic.'

'Like deep darkness. Its end is unknown.'

Black Magic.

Before Matthias established the study of Black Magic.

"Wow, if that's magic, then my dog pooping is magic too. Poop-making magic!"

Black Magic was not well-regarded.

In some places, it was considered folk magic.

In others, it was a curse too foul to speak of.

In some countries, it was even called an ominous magic.

This stimulated Matthias's desire.

'Is it all true?'

Matthias became engrossed in Black Magic.

As a result, Matthias established the study of Black Magic, became a senior wizard in the Magic Tower, and was once a strong candidate for the position of Chief.

However, in the end, the position of Chief went to Marcello...

'He has the qualifications for it.'

Contrary to the expectations of other senior wizards.

Matthias didn't think much about it.

Or rather, he didn't have the leisure to dwell on such petty matters.

'Having come this far, is my ability lacking?'

Suddenly, he hit a wall.

No matter how much he pondered, there was no progress in his research.

To make matters worse, the interference of the worldview began.

His self-reproach only intensified.

'Black Magic might be able to help...'

What am I...!

Then, news came.

"Mr. Matthias, have you heard the story? No, I mean!!"

The Chief Wizard, Marcello.

He had chosen an adventurer as a co-researcher.

'It's Marcello's choice.'

Perhaps because he hit a wall, he had more leeway.

He felt a genuine curiosity about this choice.

Unlike other wizards.

A wizard who walked his path silently.

A wizard who, in a way, resembled himself.

It was natural to be curious about Marcello's decision.

'What kind of adventurer could it be?'

Of course, it didn't take long for the curiosity to make sense.

The adventurer.

Ho Ryul, from the first impression, was not ordinary.

Clack—

The confident footsteps echoing in the Crystal Hall.

And then, a bold declaration.

- I am not so idle as to indulge in your games.

To top it off, [The Sage's Boredom].

He solved that troublesome riddle right away.

That alone was enough to recognize his abilities.

Marcello's choice made sense.

So, the current situation was purely out of curiosity.

'There exists such an adventurer.'

Curiosity about an unknown entity he had never seen before.

Most of all, he was curious about the sensitivity to Black Magic.

That was why Matthias invited Ho Ryul with three visits and made an appointment.

He wore rings on all ten fingers for the same reason.

'Sensitivity can reveal a lot.'

Why was Black Magic treated like folk magic?

It was simple.

Black Magic was distinctly different from other magics.

The biggest difference was its deep involvement with the inner self of the caster.

'Specifically, it is influenced by the past.'

While ordinary magic is based on mana.

Black Magic only responded to 'suitable mana.'

This suitable mana.

Was derived from the caster's life and background.

Of course, Ho Ryul's story.

Was unknown and unknowable.

This was just simple curiosity.

So, he didn't expect much.

That's why he wore rings on all his fingers.

'With this, even a slight sensitivity can be detected.'

However.

...An unbelievable event occurred.

All ten rings turned black.

'...I've never seen such a color!'

So black, to an extent that was indescribable!

As if it were the essence of Black Magic.

Matthias muttered to himself.

"What is this sensitivity...?"

It was beyond explanation.

With such sensitivity, it felt like even the wall blocking him could be shattered in one go.

Before Matthias could calm his shock, a demanding voice came.

"Answer wisely."

Yes, he had no intention of hiding.

Matthias spoke the truth.

And he thought.

'What kind of past does this man have...?'

To possess such outstanding sensitivity to Black Magic?

.

.

.

Click—

While Matthias explained Black Magic and the current situation, I tilted my teacup.

'Really.'

...I'm going to die of embarrassment.

What?!

Magic based on the past?!

There's no such magic in the world!

I had searched Netube quite a bit to find a magic to learn over the shoulder.

Naturally, I had seen all kinds of classes of wizards.

But no matter how I recalled, I had never seen a player who claimed to be a Black Mage.

'Unless it's a Necromancer.'

So, I might have been skeptical.

Black Magic?

Does such a bizarre magic really exist?

But in the current situation, there was no need for skepticism.

Senior Wizard of Black Magic, Matthias Dean Karl.

His existence itself was the greatest proof that Black Magic existed.

So, what he said was not nonsense but the truth...!

"The gems in the rings turn black to indicate outstanding sensitivity to Black Magic. I wore ten rings to detect even the slightest sensitivity. For all the gems to change like this...!"

Outstanding sensitivity to Black Magic?!

Unfortunately, it wasn't a compliment to me.

Thanks to his kind explanation, I realized it clearly.

'...My past is going to be a source of shame.'

According to him.

The source of Black Magic is 'suitable mana.'

This suitable mana.

Flows from the user's past.

So, the reason for my outstanding sensitivity to Black Magic...

'Is all due to my dark past!'

I thought rationally.

'Yeah, the setting is depressing.'

『The successor of a great family, but the family fell to a demon.

The sole survivor, Granfel Claudius Arpeus Romeo, henceforth Granfel, became a demon hunter to avenge the family.』

This past setting became the outstanding sensitivity to Black Magic.

'Alright, let's put the embarrassment aside for now...'

Let's think objectively.

First, it was good news for me.

I didn't need to be disappointed with Granfel's talent to the point of resorting to Black Magic.

After all, having many uses was a good thing.

Especially from my perspective.

'At least it seems to be free from mana compared to other magics.'

It only reacts to 'suitable mana.'

Mana and suitable mana are completely different concepts.

So...?

A possibility crossed my mind.

'Can Black Magic be used even in a mana-depleted state?'

...If it's possible!

It was worth enduring the shame and starting to learn Black Magic.

No, I had to start.

I thought about it and spoke.

"I am deeply displeased, Senior Wizard Matthias."

For me, as Granfel.

It was natural to be displeased.

Even if the specific story was unknown.

Matthias had, in a way, glimpsed the past.

Which was a horrific and unforgettable past for Granfel.

And a dark history I wanted to hide.

"I have nothing to say about that action. It was my oversight."

Matthias said and added.

"I will take full responsibility for this rudeness. I will formally acknowledge all my faults if the issue is raised to the upper council, the council of elders. Please, forgive my deceit."

A posture that could be called the epitome of an apology.

A form that did not deviate from etiquette in the slightest.

Even Granfel's prickly personality softened a bit.

"I will accept your apology."

Of course, I didn't intend to let it go with just words.

It wouldn't be a fair deal.

I added.

"Black Magic. I have developed a small interest in it."

"…Is that really so?"

I'm not saying I'm going to bury myself in it.

I just said I developed a small interest.

Matthias was greatly pleased.

He continued with a slightly brighter expression.

"To make up for today's oversight, I will provide all the help I can with Black Magic!"

He clearly said it.

He would provide all the help he could.

I remembered his words and stood up.

At that moment.

"!"

The quest window flashed.

-Prove your abilities. (In Progress)

●Convince the majority of senior wizards. (9/20)

It went from eight to nine.

The one convinced, of course, was Matthias?

It seemed my guess was correct.

Matthias bowed to me.

"No, from now on, I will be careful with the title. Collaborating with the Chief Wizard is equivalent to having the same status as the Chief."

...Suddenly formal?

A sudden change that was naturally burdensome.

But I didn't change my expression and replied.

"Let's continue the unfinished conversation next time, Matthias."

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.

.

...If I had to guess.

Matthias was clearly one of the most influential senior wizards.

As soon as he cast his vote in favor.

The quest window flashed several times.

-Prove your abilities. (In Progress)

●Convince the majority of senior wizards. (20/20)

And it ended in unanimous agreement.

The next message appeared.

[Conditions met.]

Just by Matthias casting his vote, the tedious proof process was skipped...

By the end, I had even dropped the formalities and spoke casually to him.

'...So typical of me.'

After pulling off such a huge feat.

I was calmly flipping through magic books in the lab.

I