Chapter 75

◈ Chapter 75. It's Just a Rumor (2)

Verification, huh.

Despite the grand words, it was nothing special.

[The Pentagram of Impure Knowledge].

Since it's a demon item with a sealed ability, it simply needs to be purified.

That's why the item's effects couldn't be confirmed immediately.

“There's a right time for everything.”

Purifying a demon item through an [Exorcism Ritual] is also possible.

But that requires a demon to hunt.

Of course, there was also the option to use the services of the Magic Tower.

And with the authority of a senior, it could be done without spending a penny.

But.

‘There’s no need to go that far, right?’

If I were to entrust the item to the Magic Tower for appraisal and purification,

the Magic Tower would also learn of the item's existence and its effects.

Learning the effects through someone else?

That alone would be a bit of a letdown.

Moreover, what kind of beings are the Magic Tower?

A group that endlessly pursues knowledge.

They might even request to borrow the item, like the [Orb of the Vampire Count], which I obtained after defeating Count Ascura.

Of course, even if they requested it, I would refuse.

‘Most importantly, when I purified it, there were no drawbacks.’

Yes, that was the most important reason.

Demon items purified through an [Exorcism Ritual] all had outstanding effects.

From the [Orb of the Vampire Count] I mentioned,

to the equipment I currently wear.

‘Of course, I can't just go hunting demons.’

As a demon hunter, I know.

Demons are a despicable bunch that hide even more when you try to find them.

They reveal their presence when you least expect it.

So, the conclusion is clear.

It's right to deal with the immediate issues first.

And the immediate issue here is, of course, the quest.

─The Weight of a Senior (Repeat)▲

● Conduct verification at the Topaz Hall. (Success)

● Successfully hold the regular meeting. (In progress)……

Successfully holding the regular meeting.

What actions are needed for that?

I knew them all too well.

“Reading is the nourishment of the mind.”

Swoosh─

Naturally, the only sound heard was the turning of the pages……

*

The Magic Tower's regular meeting.

Since the days when Arcana was a game,

it has been a regularly held event.

Without a doubt, this regular meeting has received unprecedented global attention.

The reason, of course, is due to Ho-yul.

“What is the Magic Tower? One of the most powerful military groups on the Arcana continent. Not only that, but they are also the builders of the ivory tower of knowledge.”

“To be officially recognized by such a Magic Tower. Impressive, Ho-yul player!”

“Not just any recognition, either. Not an apprentice, not a skilled magician, not even a senior magician! But to be recognized as having the same status as the sole chief magician……”

So, the South Korean broadcasting stations started popping champagne early. This was one of the guaranteed high-rating topics.

VBC.

In the studio where recording was in full swing,

Producer Hyun Yong-seok nodded with a satisfied expression.

“Ever since ancient times, there's been no better cheat code than national pride.”

“Does that still work these days, senior? When I see young people nowadays, they freak out over nothing. Sometimes I check their reactions on social media, and it’s just chaos!”

“Tsk tsk. National pride has its own way.”

That's right.

If we're being precise, this was a legitimate form of national pride.

On a global scale, not just limited to South Korea.

It wasn't an exaggeration.

“Look. Even in Japan, it's a big deal. They say Ho-yul has proven the excellence of East Asia. That Ho-yul worked hard for Hokkaido and so on.”

“…Wow, really?”

“People are honest with their bodies.”

Hyun Yong-seok was no different.

In fact, it felt more than just national pride; it felt cathartic.

“To be honest, I had some doubts. About the Magic Tower's attitude. Of course, from the perspective of someone who has greatly benefited from the Magic Tower, it's not something I should say. But the Magic Tower clearly looked down on us, on humanity.”

Their reputation was as high as their attitude.

Except for the constant opening of the portal,

the Magic Tower did not show a cooperative attitude.

They rarely even showed their faces.

If the Magic Tower had taken a cooperative stance,

wouldn't the real-world situation have improved a bit?

But the Magic Tower remained unchanged despite continuous criticism.

So, in that stiff and proud Magic Tower,

Ho-yul entered, showing everyone.

And he did so with the status equal to a chief magician.

“Just that alone feels like giving the Magic Tower a good punch, doesn't it?”

“Eh, senior, why go that far?”

“It would be nice to give them another good punch, now that we've given them one.”

“No matter how great Ho-yul is, that's too much, senior.”

Hyun Yong-seok's words made the assistant director seem to have a lot to say.

“Think about how much pressure our Ho-yul must be under. How much of a thorn in the side he must be to those great people? When I first changed my job, I was so nervous during every idea meeting……!”

“What? You were? Tell me more.”

“Honestly, senior, you always sighed deeply during meetings. Anyway, if I felt that way, how much pressure must he be under? Everyone here, everyone there, all Arcana. Especially the great magicians of the Magic Tower.”

“Hmm. That's a valid point. That.”

In any case, Ho-yul had been admitted to the Magic Tower after his abilities were recognized.

But Hyun Yong-seok knew that society doesn't run on ability alone.

The Magic Tower would be no different.

So, here, encouragement is more appropriate than expectations.

“Still, let's watch. Who knows with Ho-yul.”

The media wasn't the only one paying attention to the regular meeting.

Players, especially those with the magician class, were literally staking their lives on this regular meeting.

Players gathering in the Magic Tower.

Their faces were filled with determination.

Naturally, this was also due to Ho-yul.

“I really can't fall asleep today.”

“That's the least. We need to try to understand it with our minds.”

“…But can you really do that just by trying?”

Ho-yul's achievement of being admitted to the Magic Tower!

It all started from ‘that incident’ during the last regular meeting.

In the memories of the players who witnessed the incident,

Ho-yul's image was still vivid.

“Thinking about it again, it was thrilling. Really.”

“How did he even think of challenging someone?”

“To a chief magician, Marcello, no less!”

The shock was so intense.

But who would have known?

That bold criticism was linked to a Magic Tower quest.

Because they witnessed it,

the players couldn't help but feel determined.

“Honestly, can't we do it too?”

“Does anyone remember what Ho-yul said back then?”

“Something about exploration. I can't remember exactly. Ah, my thick head.”

The sigh was brief.

As the players pulled out their invitations to the regular meeting,

someone passed by them.

Jesse Hainness, wearing a large cap.

Gulp─

Instantly, a silence fell among the magician class players.

Ho-yul, who had already risen to a lofty height.

It would be impossible to see him as a competitor.

‘The most annoying one is Jesse.’

‘The biggest obstacle in this meeting.’

‘If we talk about probability, it’s still Jesse Hainness……’

Thanks to this, Jesse inadvertently became everyone's competitor.

Whether he knew it or not,

Jesse's lips were curled up in a smile.

“Hey, you're smiling?”

“Why does it feel like I'm seeing Jesse smile for the first time?”

“…You look even prettier when you smile.”

“Crazy guy. Get a grip. He's a competitor, remember?!”

Of course, no one could ask Jesse for the reason.

‘Cap’ was there, after all.

Jesse's cap on his head wobbled.

-My student, it's very nice to see you looking forward to the meeting. Your pursuit of truth finally makes you look like a true magician. All the hard work I've put into teaching you has paid off!