Chapter 48: Conclusion
I couldn’t fathom the situation at hand. Navirose looked at the fallen Dallan on the ground and spoke up.
“First of all… heal this person.”
“Heal… do you mean? Where… um.”
The surrounding guards hesitated. His condition was like meat prepared to soak in seasoning, a preparation that Ronan had made with a sense of nausea in advance.
“As expected of Stormblade. Even though it’s not fully complete, that power is up there.”
He had been skeptical about Aura at first, but his thoughts had changed recently. He wanted to unlock Aura quickly. If things like the Stormblade or Mansa worked against giants, he might actually have a chance in a fight.
“But to do that, we need to break this damn curse.”
First, he needed to feel and control mana. His thoughts naturally turned to Haze. At that moment, Dallan coughed as if he could die at any moment.
“Cough!”
“Hey, hey! You can’t just let him die!”
A few startled guards rushed to get potions. Wearing heavy armor, they weren’t very fast. Ronan scratched his head and spoke.
“For God’s sake, Cita. Just fix him up enough not to die.”
“Beahh.”
A healing magic circle appeared before Cita’s eyes. Dallan was barely clinging to life after all. With the situation settled, Navirose, wearing sleepwear, stood between the two boys, arms crossed.
“Explain what happened.”
“You look good in these clothes.”
“Shut up.”
Navirose glared at him with an ax-like gaze. Ronan gave a subtle laugh. Cute snake drawings were embroidered like a pattern on her sleepwear.
“That knight had been working in Gracia for four years was actually a spy from Nebula Clazier.”
Shullifen, who straightened his attire, explained the situation. The betrayal of the knight Dallan, the nighttime dormitory attack… Navirose’s face stiffened when she heard the name Nebula Clazier.
“The situation is more serious than I thought.”
“Yes. There’s a good chance that person isn’t the end of it. We might need to return to the Gracia mansion right away.”
“Go ahead. I’ll inform the headmaster.”
Shullifen promptly left for the Gracia domain on his horse. The sound of hooves quickly faded away. Ronan clicked his tongue as he watched him go.
“Tch, that useless guy. He’s leaving without even saying thank you.”
“It’s because the situation is urgent. By the way, you did well to involve Shullifen.It was a smart move.”
“I didn’t want to look too suspicious.”
Ronan nodded. Shullifen’s words would have a greater impact on the Gracia duke than a thousand of his own. Suddenly, Ronan remembered the events of his past life and clenched his jaw.
‘But how did that strong man die?’
If his memory served him right, the duke would die under mysterious circumstances a few years later. The death of the pale Lord of the de Gracia would remain undiscovered until just before the giants descended.
“No, the question is ‘to whom’.”
It was probably Nebula Clazier. Of course, the possibility of Dallan or the like being the murderer seemed unlikely, but what was scary was that there might be more such people. Perhaps even here in Philleon.
Ronan, who predicted a protracted war, twisted his lips. His frustrated gaze, fixed on the sky, caught the smoke rising from the dormitory.
“…But where do I sleep now?”
It suddenly crossed his mind. Damn Dallan had wrecked his room. He had been considering camping out or something. Navirose nonchalantly spoke.
“So, there’s that issue. Would you like to come to my room for now?”
“Um… yes?”
Ronan’s body stiffened. For a moment, he thought everything was revealed. But she had taken on the form of a human, not a snake.
“… You mean the professor’s room? Seriously?”
“Yes. There’s plenty of space. In fact, it’s unnecessarily spacious.”
He knew. It was an action born of simple goodwill. But that wasn’t particularly important.
Instinctively, Ronan scanned Navirose and swallowed his saliva. He hadn’t noticed before, but she was indeed from the southern region. Her determination was clear even on her baggy sleepwear.
This proposal might not be a bad idea.
“Then… it’s a bit shameless, but…”
Ronan made a truly embarrassed expression and followed her. Suddenly, the space in front of his eyes flipped, and a robed shaman appeared.
“You’re working hard even at this time.”
“Oh, for crying out loud, you scared me…Headmaster.”
“Long time no see, Ronan.”
The figure that appeared in the inverted space was Krava Kratir, the head of Philion. He spoke to Navirose.
“I just heard that they’ve imprisoned him in the underground dungeon. Looks like we’ll have to strengthen security a lot more. For something like this to happen in the dormitory where the students live…”
“I agree. Oh, a little while ago, Shullifen set off for Gracia.”
“Yes. I just confirmed it. He’s going to the outskirts of the domain along with his horse and will be back soon.”
The usual relaxation was absent from Kratir’s face. Even just looking at the mana shield that flowed from his body, you could tell the gravity of the situation.
Kratir smiled as he looked at Ronan and said:
“…But at least you can rest easy for now. You and Shullifen did a good job.”
“Oh, well, he just barged in suddenly, so I got startled.”
“Hehe, you always talk about serious matters as if they’re not serious. Come to think of it, I heard something by chance. If you don’t have a place to stay right now, come with me today.”
“Huh? No, I already…”
“No need to refuse. Come on, let’s go.”
“Wait a minute!”
Kratir grabbed Ronan’s wrist. Before he could say anything, the space flipped again. The two of them disappeared from view. Navirose, who had been standing blankly, turned her footsteps and muttered to herself.
“…A wild night, indeed.”
****
“The headmaster screwed up everything.”
“Hmm? What are you talking about?”
Ronan stared with empty eyes. The affair with the beautiful lady with her fair skin had turned into an argument with this distant old folk over a minute. Even though he knew that nothing would’ve happened, it was a regrettable situation.
“For goodness sake… it’s nothing.”
——————
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If this old man wasn’t a level 8 mage, he would have set his beard on fire. Ronan, who had been looking around, opened his mouth.
“By the way, where is this?”
In front of Ronan was an expanse of rocky ground. It looked like the summit of some tall rocky mountain, but it definitely wasn’t anywhere near the island. Kratir touched his beard and smiled.
“It’s a place I come to when I want to catch some fresh air. Isn’t the view nice?”
“It’s not bad.”
Ronan nodded. He couldn’t deny the fact that it was a breathtaking sight.
Above their heads spread a sea of brilliant stars, while below the sheer cliffs extended a sea of pure white clouds. The roaring wind tousled their hair wildly.
“But it doesn’t seem like a comfortable place to sleep.”
“Sorry about that. There’s something I want to talk to you about before we go to sleep.”
“With me?”
“Yes. First, I want to express my gratitude. I know you played a crucial role in the Gran Cappadocia”
Kratir turned his gaze to the sea of clouds and began to speak. He expressed his gratitude for saving the artisans underground, for bringing the organization Nebula Clazier to the surface, and for the dormitory attack that had just occurred today.
“I’m truly thankful. As the head of Philleon Academy and as the human Krava Kratir, I’m grateful. Your actions will bring about significant changes in the future.”
“It’s just something I could do. Oh, please thank Aselle and Marya for me later too. Even that annoying jerk.”
“Hehe, of course. I’ll convey it properly.”
Kratir chuckled softly. He looked proudly at the bewildering new student standing before him.
The feeling that destiny had orchestrated their meeting. It was reminiscent of when he had heard the words from the Great Mage Lorehon to become his apprentice during his days in the Cold Sniffles. Those emotions were resurfacing. After a moment of silence, Kratir spoke again.
“By the way, apart from that, lately you seem to have a deep worry on your face. Is there something bothering you?”
“A worry? Um… yes, there is.”
“If you’re comfortable with it, go ahead and share. If there’s something this old man can help with, I’ll do anything I can.”
“Umm…”
Ronan hesitated. He was unsure if he could reveal this so soon. He didn’t distrust Kratir, but the recent Dallan incident had heightened his caution.
But if he continued to act like this in every situation, nothing would change. With his resolve almost set, Ronan looked at Kratir.
‘His mana is clean.’
He had checked earlier as well, but he couldn’t sense any unsettling glimmers of Nebula Clazier’s presence in Kratir’s mana. But that wasn’t enough. Ronan met Kratir’s gaze and spoke.
“Headmaster, could you please repeat what I say exactly? It’s really important.”
“Hmm? Alright.”
“When the arrival of the stars meets the light of the stars.”
“When the arrival of the stars meets the light of the stars?”
“Ahaha, damn it.”
“Ahaha… damn it…?”
Kratir repeated his words with a puzzled expression. There were no signs of his head swelling or exploding. Ronan let out a relieved sigh and began his story.
“Perfect. Headmaster, I’m under a curse.”
“A curse?”
Kratir raised an eyebrow. Judging from his reaction, it seemed he hadn’t heard it from Sekreet. Ronan explained his situation calmly. Kratir’s eyes widened upon hearing that he was afflicted by nine curses.
“Wow… that’s quite something. So, that’s why you couldn’t control mana before.”
“Yes. It’s a serious problem. I thought that if I learned to use mana, I could even beat Shullifen with just my toe.”
“While I’m not sure about your toe… indeed, the only talent that comes close to the rising star of the Empire is you.”
“Thank you for listening to me. Speaking of which, Headmaster, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with.”
“If it’s something I can help with, I’ll do anything.”
Ronan chuckled softly. After all, to do things properly, he needed to talk to Kratir, and this opportunity had presented itself nicely. With a composed voice, Ronan began to speak.
“I want to start a club.”
“A club?”
“Yes. But this is a rather special club, so I need the Headmaster’s permission. By the way, Professor Varen Panacir has agreed to oversee it.”
“That guy Varen…? What kind of club is it?”
Kratir asked with curiosity. Ronan explained the plan he had laid out even before he entered Philleon. Throughout his explanation, Kratir’s expression shifted in various ways.
“This… could potentially cause quite a controversy.”
“Is it going to be difficult?”
“No, go on. It’s intriguing.”
Two seas flowed above their heads and beneath their feet. Ronan began explaining why he had to wear his uniform, get his hands covered in blood, and brave all sorts of dangerous jungles just before sunrise.
The next morning dawned, and even though it was early, Philleon’s Grand Square was bustling with students. They were there to witness the scene of the monster who had attacked the Navirose dormitory being escorted to Rodollan.
-Woooh!
In the Grand Square of Philleon, a griffin-drawn escort vehicle was waiting. Soon, the crowd split, and Dallan, surrounded by guards, was revealed.
With his right arm, left eye, and two fingers missing, he was wrapped in thick chains, wearing the same clothing he had worn the previous day. As Ronan watched over the transfer, he whistled.
“Off to Rodollan you go. Sounds nice. Doesn’t it?”
“…”
“You’ll enjoy it there. The perverted interrogator Karaka will find you adorable. And I heard Cyril’s ears are nearly gone by now.”
Dallan just glared at Ronan without saying a word. The guards in raven masks put him into the vehicle. Just before the door closed, Dallan’s mouth opened.
“…You know nothing.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
Clang!
The door shut. The escort vehicle took off into the sky. Students watched the spectacle with a mix of awe and fear in their eyes.
“This is unreal… I better live a good life…”
“Hey! Quickly pick up those griffin feathers!”
Ronan furrowed his brows as he mulled over Dallan’s words.
‘You know nothing’. What did that mean?
“…I wish he was just talking nonsense.”
No immediate answers came to mind. In a few days, Interrogator Karaka would extract an answer amidst screams, anyway.
Ronan headed straight for Varen’s office. It was likely because he had seen the arrest that his steps were light. Knocking lightly on the door, he heard a familiar voice from within.
“Come in~.”
Varen Panacir, who could tear a bull’s neck with his bare hands, had dreambird Marphez on his shoulder. He was pouring tea with her on his shoulder. As Ronan entered, Varen flashed a wide smile.
“Oh, Ronan. How have you been? Perfect timing. I had just set the tea down.”
“I’m good. The time has come to keep our promise, Varen.”
“Promise…? What do you mean?”
Varen tilted his head, his smile fading. To be fair, quite some time had passed, so it was easy to forget.
With a meaningful smile, Ronan took out a piece of paper from his pocket. As Marphez sat on Varen’s shoulder, they began reading the paper that Ronan presented.
“Permission for Club Establishment… Special Class Adventurers Club… Oversight by Professor Varen Panacir?”
-Hmm?
[A group that engages in additional training to gain practical experience through proactive external activities and aims to become individuals who can contribute to the Empire.]
Under Kratir’s signature, the ‘Reason for Club Establishment’ was written like that. Barren smirked.
