Chapter 64

◈ Chapter 64. The Tower of Magic (1)

The Tower of Magic.

In terms of power, it is a group that no one in Arcana can challenge.

Even the emperor who rules the continent.

He desires a friendly relationship, fearing its influence.

However, it is precisely because of its immense position.

The Tower of Magic has shown no significant movement in any event in Arcana.

Of course, this was during the time when Arcana was merely a game.

It was something that could be brushed off as a limitation of the system.

Why would the Tower of Magic get involved in events where players can shine?

The Tower of Magic would quickly resolve the situation.

Players would just be left to watch.

But Arcana is no longer a game; it is reality.

‘Yet, the Tower of Magic still showed no significant movement.’

That was the case.

Even after being summoned to reality.

It was natural not to have high expectations.

The sight of the Tower of Magic's mages taking action?

It was something players could not even imagine.

However.

──────

I have heard the news.

You have been focusing on dealing with the Demon King Decarabia who descended upon Frost. As the Chief Mage of the Tower of Magic, I feel ashamed. I can only express my gratitude...

──────

...What kind of nuance is this?

No matter how many times I read it.

It’s not just anyone.

The real power behind the Tower of Magic.

The Chief Mage, Marcello, sent this letter...

Considering his personality, he would never say something insincere.

No matter how many times I read it...

‘It’s filled with the feeling that even if he wanted to step forward, he can’t.’

Click─

I put down the teacup and parted my lips.

“Everyone has their own unspoken reasons.”

Yes, I have my own dark history, my unspoken reasons...

‘No, that’s not the point!’

Clearly, there are reasons, right?

I’m not without perception.

Moreover, having officially joined the Tower of Magic,

I know to some extent how it operates. Plus, I have a quest in the Tower of Magic.

[Quest: Marcello’s Research]

The Tower of Magic, Chief Mage Marcello.

To reach a new level of magic.

He wishes to work with you.

‘...Wait a moment, what if...’

I pieced together the scattered fragments.

Yes, the Tower of Magic has its own unspoken reasons.

Due to these reasons, the mages cannot take proactive actions.

Marcello is concerned about this.

I am his research partner and ally...

Thus, the result is a plausible happy circuit.

‘...If I resolve the Tower of Magic’s situation at the end of the quest...’

Would the Tower of Magic become more proactive?

Naturally, during the process of completing the quest,

I would build significant relationships and influence within the Tower of Magic.

That means...

‘The Tower of Magic could become a solid ally...?’

No, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment.

Moreover, if I get carried away,

I might end up with indigestion.

So, it’s right to organize my thoughts at this point.

‘I’ll learn more as I complete the quest.’

For now, there’s nothing I can do, even if I’m curious.

Shouldn’t I ask Marcello, the person involved?

Is that even possible?

Asking about unspoken reasons would be a breach of etiquette.

So, the reply I would send to Marcello is obvious.

──────

I fully understand your distress.

──────

“An interview is always welcome.”

To mention the three visits to the thatched cottage,

I have received too much already...

I am thorough in my calculations.

*

The Frost Siege.

The aftermath of that day continued to linger the next day, and the day after that.

It couldn’t be helped.

Unlike before, the Frost Siege had far too many spectators.

Shining and Heaven’s Unification.

The top and second-ranked guilds.

Their strength was proven once again.

Their strategies and tactics, leading the Demon Army.

Indeed, it showed that their experience in sieges was not in vain.

An unexpected ace also appeared.

The Demon Legion Commander, Horkan.

Nam Taemin, who faced him alone.

Not only did he break Horkan’s leg, but he also tore off his wings.

Seeing his bold battle, players could guess.

- Is Nam Taemin finally starting his class quest??

- It seems so??? Compared to other top players, it’s a bit late

- Isn’t it rather impressive? Maintaining a top 10 ranking without a class quest

- ㄹㅇ I’m only waiting for his big rise now. Let’s buy Gaon’s full stock

Apart from such major events.

Inazuma’s courteous attitude.

Jesse Haines’ departure from the Shining guild.

The power of the Shadow Mercenary Corps.

Harkan’s appearance, striking down the Demon Legion Commander in one blow.

The Frost Siege was filled with numerous events.

Of course, everyone has different tastes.

The main focus can vary.

However, one thing was certain.

Objectively, publicly.

Who is the hottest topic among them all?

“Indeed, it’s the player I Ho Yeol.”

The panelists nodded at the expert’s words.

The expert smiled contentedly.

“First, let’s look at his abilities. You must be familiar with the skill footage. This, this skill! The dimension of this skill is different from anything players have used before!”

The goddess of fire who appeared in Frost.

The praise was so intense that the subject would have been taken aback.

Just by using the [Aesthetics] stat.

By adding an aesthetic touch.

“So, I boldly predict that I Ho Yeol is definitely a hidden class Fire Mage.”

A Fire Mage?

And a hidden class at that.

It was a huge misunderstanding.

However, opinions could differ on this.

“I disagree.”

“Oh, you have a different opinion? Mr. Hwang, the expert?”

“Of course, the goddess of fire was impressive. But look. Do you see the black aura emanating from I Ho Yeol?”

It was an intermediate-level Black Magic, Black Aura.

“This is a completely new type of skill! From its appearance, I suspect it’s Black Magic. After all, it’s a type of magic that has only recently been officially recognized by the Tower of Magic!”

“That’s a very interesting claim.”

“Yes. Who is I Ho Yeol? The first player to gain equal status with the Chief Mage of the Tower of Magic. Clearly, he is related to a class involving Black Magic...”

The news of I Ho Yeol’s position in the Tower of Magic,

Spread rapidly among the Mage class players.

That opinion wasn’t entirely baseless.

However.

“But the problem is that he used those two incredible skills simultaneously. What do you think about that, experts?”

“...!”

“...I, I don’t want to comment on that.”

The two experts were rendered speechless by the host’s question.

I Ho Yeol, who made the experts lose face.

Yes, I Ho Yeol was the eye of the storm.

At the center of various events.

Receiving all the spotlight.

Even though the media would talk about him all day.

- Not only did he rescue survivors, but he also collected bodies

- Isn’t this noblesse oblige? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

- Just Ho Men

Always calm.

Maintaining his dignified posture.

To the point where it seemed strange to worry.

“...Just look at the person you want to see.”

So, it was natural for his precious sister to worry.

Beep─

Leoni threw the remote onto the sofa and went into her room.

The Berserker guild members, who had been holding their breath, started chattering.

“Our sister’s face is so gaunt.”

“Her stomach must be in knots. I felt my heart sink too.”

“I thought I heard wrong at first.”

This story began with the Frost Reclamation.

During the Frost Reclamation.

The voice of Ho Yeol coming from the opposite alley.

“What? Offering me a drink? I never imagined that.”

It was Jesse Haines who offered the drink.

Jesse was a person of interest among the guild members.

No matter how much she tried to hide it, how complicated must our sister’s mind be?

“How many times must she have pulled her hair out to have it all frizzy...”

“That’s just because she didn’t wash her hair today.”

“She hasn’t eaten anything since yesterday...”

“She has. The room smelled of pizza.”

“...Then why is she overreacting?”

No, just one thing.

The guild members couldn’t guess what was on Leoni’s mind.

But it was inevitable.

“...What the hell. Really.”

Thump─

Leoni, lying face down on the bed, buried her face in the pillow.

Leoni, even she couldn’t understand her own emotions.

Offering a drink.

From Jesse Haines.

“...Is he cutting in line?”

That was definitely an unpleasant thing.

Who is he, anyway?

I’m curious about the taste of that drink.

While I’ve been working hard, keeping track of everything.

Clearly, I have.

- It wasn’t a bad move, Leoni.

...Suddenly, what kind of praise is this?

Saying everything, good or bad.

Considering Ho Yeol’s straightforward personality...

It’s just a comment on a not-so-bad move.

But at the same time.

I know Ho Yeol never says anything insincere.

“What the hell. Damn.”

So, it can’t help but be a huge concern.

Thump thump─

“Instead of praising, make a cup of tea. Damn.”

Leoni rolled her feet.

I turned on the TV to clear my head.

But no matter how many channels I switched, Ho Yeol’s face popped up.

That’s why I ended up in my room, having given up the remote.

“...Let’s just play a game.”

Leoni, who connected to the internet, was shocked again.

Ho Yeol’s article photo on the main internet page.

Truly, an overwhelming presence that can’t be avoided anywhere.

Leoni threw the pillow this time.

“Ugh! I won’t drink it, it’s so unfair!”

.

.

.

“What can I say? It feels like something is being taken away.”

Shining’s guild master, Rox, said.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, Rox. You never had it to begin with~”

“That’s just what you say. But still, it’s something that needs to be said...”

“Well, Camilla, you’re not entirely wrong.”

Rox shrugged.

Jesse Haines treated Shining as a purely business relationship.

The reason she joined Shining was simply for the best conditions.

Plus, the freedom to act as she pleased.

“I knew, but it’s not a pleasant feeling.”

The feeling of something being taken away.

It was a strange sensation for Rox.

Rox had always been on the side of taking, not losing.

“Isn’t it too early to be disappointed?”

“Hey, Camilla. You’re just trying to complain again.”

“No~ Jesse never said she would leave Shining, but you’re already getting emotional~ I’m worried about what you’ll do if she really leaves.”

Dmitry, the insensitive one, wouldn’t understand even if he watched for a lifetime.

But Camilla could feel it.

Rox’s emotions were in turmoil.

‘His breathing has become rough.’

The wind that affects shooting.

Camilla, who doesn’t miss a single gust, could feel it.

A very subtle change.

Rox was suppressing his emotions that much.

‘It must be unfamiliar to him.’

No, it must be intolerable.

‘Given his personality.’

A founding member.

Camilla had watched Rox since the early days of Shining.

Rox’s nature, which he suppresses due to his many possessions.

She knew it better than anyone.

“I was mistaken.”

“Are you starting a fight again? Can’t we just get along?”

“What were you mistaken about, Rox?”

Ignoring Dmitry’s plea, Camilla asked calmly.

Rox ran his hand through his hair.

“No matter what, I thought he was below me. I Ho Yeol. I just thought he was lucky until now. I thought he benefited from Jesse in Ascuria and the Lion Heart Knights in Yusra.”

“...Rox, that’s a fact.”

“But I was mistaken.”

Rox’s eyes sparkled.

“He is definitely stronger than me.”

No, he’s even stronger than the top-ranked Skull.

It was an instinct he could feel as a fellow player.

Rox continued with a serious face.

“At least level 600.”

“...What?”

“Wait a moment. What’s 600 levels...? Hey, Rox. You can’t be serious?!”

“Maximum 700 levels.”

Rox’s face was completely serious, with no hint of a joke.

“That’s what I estimate I Ho Yeol’s level to be.”

*

...He will never know.

[Name: Grangfell Claudius Arpeus Romeo]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 295]

[Stats]

Strength: 45 / Agility: 46 / Magic: 243 / Luck: 5 / Aesthetics: 下

[Available Points: 0]

He will never know that I’m not even level 300, really...

Topaz Hall.

The Tower of Magic’s major event, the Regular Conference.

Before standing in the Crystal Hall where the Regular Conference is held.

There is a process of verification that must be passed.

This place, the Topaz Hall, is where the preliminary verification takes place.

I am sitting here with the status of an equal to the Chief Mage.

What am I doing here?

If someone asks.

First, I’ll show them the flashing quest window.

[Quest: Marcello’s Research]

The Tower of Magic, Chief Mage Marcello.

To reach a new level of magic.

He wishes to work with you.

─Accept Marcello’s proposal. (Success)

─Prove your abilities. (Success)

─The Weight of the Chief (Repeat)▼

That’s right.

This is the weight I must bear as a co-researcher with the status of a Chief.

In other words, it’s my job.

‘...It’s quite burdensome.’

I know how great the mages of the Tower of Magic are.

Even without considering the Chief and Senior Mages,

The strength of the Tower of Magic’s mages is incomparable to players.

‘Even the great Jesse is treated as a junior in the Tower of Magic.’

During the tea time in my laboratory.

Jesse, holding the teacup with both hands, said politely.

-It’s a great honor for an apprentice mage to have a personal interview with the Chief Mage! I’ve prepared a well-thought-out question!

The mage of mages.

Jesse Haines.

In the Tower of Magic, she is an apprentice mage, one step below a skilled mage.

That’s why.

That’s the reason I mentioned my level.

‘To verify a skilled mage, not even an apprentice...?’

...Me?

A level 295 player?

It’s naturally extremely burdensome.

But that’s my personal situation, I Ho Yeol.

Topaz Hall.

There is no sign of burden or tension on me, sitting in the main seat.

The formality that a Chief must maintain.

My posture does not deviate from that formality.

I am calmly examining the parchment...

‘...This is also my struggle.’

Yes, if you can’t avoid it, it’s better to enjoy it.

I realized this long ago.

I stopped complaining about my fate.

On the hour.

When the time came, I boldly spoke.

“Let’s begin the verification.”

.

.

.

Thump thump.

Cure school skilled mage, Cle, calmed her racing heart.

‘I’ve prepared thoroughly...!’

The Regular Conference of the Tower of Magic.

Standing in the Crystal Hall as a presenter is the greatest honor for a mage.

Cle recalled the words of her senior mage in the same Cure school, Valerie.

-There’s no need to be nervous, Cle. Your abilities are sufficient.

If you’re still nervous, think about all the effort you’ve put in.

-Even if the results are not good, just think it’s the jealousy of the senior mages who envy you. Cle needs confidence.

Thinking of Valerie’s calm voice, Cle’s heart, which felt like it would burst, began to calm down.

Yes, for Valerie’s sake...

I will overcome the verification without trembling.

‘Of course, the honor of the Cure school is at stake too!’

How many researches are presented at the Regular Conference?

Depending on that, the school and its senior mages either gain or lose face.

Just look at how Senior Bangrit Tom of the Pure Magic school is treated, having failed to present anything recently.

‘I can’t let Valerie suffer such humiliation!’

I can do it. I can do it...

While Cle was muttering to herself.

Suddenly, the door to the Topaz Hall opened.

“...?”

What is happening?

The skilled mage who entered with such confidence.

She came out with a frown.

“...!”

Moreover, her swollen eyes.

It was clear she had shed tears.

Thump thump thump─

Cle’s heart, which she had barely suppressed, began to race.

Cle couldn’t hide her confusion.

‘...W-What’s