(3)
6.
Around the time the first exam was in full swing.
Professor Direc arrived in Area 3.
The surroundings are dark because there is no sunlight.
As if he was used to this kind of darkness, he lit the lamp he had prepared in advance.
Grumble!
A lamp that quickly emits a soft light.
Relying on the light that could barely see an inch ahead, Direc arrived at his final destination.
“Then let’s divide the duties.”
“I will take charge of collecting phosphate rocks.”
Sirpi answered as if he had been waiting.
Direc tilted his head.
“You? “Can you do it?”
“Yes, I was familiar with the distinction.”
“That’s not it, I’m asking if you can collect 8 kg. His strength seems weak… … .”
Direc frowned slightly.
With a very untrustworthy expression.
Sirpi, on the other hand, nodded without looking at all intimidated.
“are you okay. “There is a way.”
“Uhm, I understand. “Then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Okay, I’ll be back when I’m done collecting.”
After answering, she held a small lamp in her hand and suddenly disappeared. Although she still had an untrustworthy appearance, she soon got on her nerves.
‘More than anything, now… … .’
There is no time to relax.
Just before entering this place, Direc and Sirpi drank a specially prepared potion.
It was a potion that prevented hallucinations and auditory hallucinations, which were one of the characteristics of Area 3.
‘Effectiveness lasts up to 1 hour.’
If you go beyond that, you’ll be in trouble.
Not only are there no extra potions, and even if there were, they would not be effective if you drank them in succession. That’s why Direc headed straight to the lakeside.
One of two goals.
For collecting deep water.
Eventually, we reached the lakeside.
Transparent green water welcomed Dirac. The water was so clear that the entire lake was clearly visible, but you should never touch it or drink it.
‘There is a high concentration of magical power within.’
Magical power equivalent to that of a mid-level to high-level magic stone is dissolved in each drop of water.
So, just by touching the skin, the magic power in the body fluctuates. Afterwards, you will no longer be able to use magic for a while, and the possibility of a runaway of magic power also increases.
‘If you drink that… … .’
If it’s 100, then magic poisoning will occur.
So, I had to bring water with me to avoid contact with my skin as much as possible. It wasn’t easy, but Direc had a solution.
‘Arma’s stomach.’
An object that looks like a leather canteen.
This is an expensive magic tool that can store up to 50 liters of all types of liquid.
When the inlet side touches the water surface, it has the ability to absorb water up to its maximum storage capacity.
“I’ll collect enough in an hour.”
Direc looked relaxed as he watched the water being quickly absorbed. Now all that’s left to do is watch until the water fills up.
Of course, I could have gone to help Sirpi collect the phosphate stones, but I didn’t have to. He seemed just as confident earlier.
“Haaaaam!”
Is it because I had trouble sleeping last night?
Direc let out a long yawn. As I was looking at the lake with a sleepy face, a somewhat unusual sight suddenly came into view.
The middle part of the dark lake.
Unlike Area 3, it was particularly bright there.
So much so that it seems as if the sun only shines there. Direc narrowed his eyes and revealed the identity of that place.
“… … District 4.”
A place that is incomparably more dangerous than here.
This is because if you use magic there, there is a 100% chance that your magic power will explode.
However, strangely, those who have reached the level of a master or archmage do not experience any abnormalities when using magic in Area 4.
I don’t know why.
‘and… … .’
His gaze went beyond Area 4.
It is the perfect center of the lake.
Unlike other places, there was a pond completely filled with pitch-black water.
The fountain of magic, Area 5.
It is a true ‘fountain of magic’.
According to records, the spring of magic actually referred only to the pond near Area 5.
However, as time passed, the power emitted by the fountain of magic grew, and it also had a significant influence on the surrounding lakeshore.
‘And the result.’
The surrounding area is seriously polluted.
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So much so that humans cannot survive.
Accordingly, the watchmen who guarded the spring called it the Spring of Magical Power, encompassing all areas where harmful influence was exerted.
Additionally, the lake was divided into areas according to the intensity of influence, meaning areas 1 to 4.
At that time, I was lost in thought while looking at the lake in a daze.
“Hmm?”
Direc’s eyes suddenly widened.
This was because I sensed that an unusual change had occurred in Area 5, which I had been watching just a moment ago.
“Wait a minute, I’m sure… … .”
The surface of the water was shaking.
Of course, when the wind blows, the surface of a pond can ripple.
But that is District 5.
It is a famous magical place where no light reaches and even the wind does not blow.
As a result, there was a legend like that.
When the waters of Arsene begin to stir and create waves, that is when the gates of the abyss will open.
‘Did I see it wrong?’
Direc blinked his eyes blankly.
He looked at the surface of Area 5 again.
Then at that moment.
The surface of the water stirred once again.
“… … !”
It’s not a mistake.
Because I saw it for sure this time.
Why is the surface of the water shaking? Was it an incorrect record to say there was no wind?
I felt all kinds of questions rising and I kept my eyes on Area 5 ever since.
And from that moment on, I felt strange.
What should I say about this?
Would you say that as time goes by, the hazy feeling comes over you like a wave? I felt drowsy, as if I was quickly falling asleep.
‘I want to keep watching.’
Why is the surface of the water shaking?
What on earth is in there? A question that I would never have thought of normally dominated my mind.
It was a time when I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
【You who want to look into the abyss.】
Suddenly a strange voice was heard.
No, it would be more accurate to say that it rang in my head rather than that I heard it.
Normally, I would have been startled or wary, but the current director wasn’t like that. I just accept the voice without paying any attention to it.
【Do not take your eyes off the abyss.】
【This is the only road to truth.】
【come. I’ll give you what you want.】
The more I listen to your voice, the more I hear it.
For some reason, I felt like my consciousness was being sucked out.
At the same time, my body became heavy and I became drowsy. Just as I was about to gradually lose consciousness.
“professor!”
An urgent cry was suddenly heard.
At the same time, someone hugged my waist.
“Come to your senses, Professor!”
It’s a somewhat familiar voice.
The moment I recognized this.
Direc came to his senses.
“what… … ?”
The first thing I saw was clear green water.
Soon, Sirpi was seen desperately hugging his waist. Direc blinked her eyes and muttered with a blank face.
“What is this situation now?”
“Suddenly he tried to enter the lake, so I quickly came and stopped him. Are you okay now?!”
“… … “I tried to go into the lake?”
“that’s right. “Don’t you remember?”
It doesn’t fly. It couldn’t have been that way in the first place.
Because he knew better than anyone else the dangers of the lake in Area 3, the Deep Water.
But above all, there was clear evidence.
“This place… … .”
Where he currently stands.
If I had taken one more step forward, I was so close that I would have fallen straight into the lake.
gulp!
I swallowed dry saliva with a creepy feeling.
Then I thought about what had just happened, but strangely I couldn’t remember it. All I have is the memory of quietly looking at the lake.
‘I thought I heard a voice.’
A voice that gently rolls in like a wave.
However, I only remembered hearing a voice, but I couldn’t remember the content.
Could it be that the potion had worn off and I was hearing hallucinations? While I was suddenly thinking about that. Sirpi’s voice pounded in my ear.
“I collected all the phosphate stones.”
A bag full of phosphate stones.
A total of 10 kg seems like a comfortable amount.
It must have been hard to find it because it was dark, but I never thought I would find it as much as I did in such a short period of time. It was a moment when I realized why I was so confident.
“It looks like the deep water is also full.”
Arma’s stomach can no longer absorb water.
Dirac carefully closed the lid and pulled it to land. However, it could not be moved far.
Of course.
The effect of Arma’s stomach is simply to hold 50L of water in a canteen. Because it cannot make the weight lighter.
Some time after that.
After completing his collection goal, Direc asked the question he had always wondered about.
“How are we going to carry it now?”
“That’s right, use this.”
What Sirpi took out from her pocket was a stone that gave off a mysterious green light. Direc recognized at a glance what it was.
“Is it a return stone?”
“Yes, originally we would move towards the main gate, but the Count used his help to move it to the northern outskirts.”
Hearthstone, a magic tool that can only be used inside Arsene Academy. Besides, if you move to the outskirts, you won’t be noticed by others.
“Also, there will be a carriage waiting at the north gate, so you don’t have to worry about the rest.”
Direct was relieved by the added explanation.
Because transportation to the mansion is fully equipped. Before leaving, Sirpi suddenly spoke with a curious expression.
“Well, I have a question.”
“what?”
“There were magic stones near the border leading to Area 4. Did you, by any chance, collect them?”
“Magic stone?”
“Yes, most of them were top-grade magic stones. “I guess there were about six of them.”
Six top-quality magic stones.
The moment he picked it up, a light of greed passed through Direc’s eyes. The highest-grade magic stone was an incredibly expensive item, and it was also a necessary material for his research.
Is that why?
Direc cleared his throat and said.
“Hmm! Yes, that’s what I collected.”
A lie spouted out with a naturally virtuous face.
Without changing his gaze, Direc continued to answer.
“The last time I stopped by, I had a lot of luggage, so I left it here for a while.”
“Ah, that’s true as expected. All right.”
After nodding silently.
Sirpi turned around.
“Then I will excuse myself.”
“i get it. “Give my regards to the Count.”
“yes. Please be careful.”
Finally, a short farewell.
She used the Hearthstone while holding onto Arma’s stomach and a bag full of phosphate stones.
Paaaaat!
A cluster of pure white light soon bloomed.
After a while, Sirpi disappeared from nowhere. And at that moment, Direc kicked the ground. It was because I had a place to stop by.
‘You said it was near the border of Area 4, right?’
Direc walked away with a half-confident look on his face. After some time, he arrived at the place that Sirpi had mentioned and his eyes widened.
“… … !”
What Sirpi said was true.
A top-class magic stone that emits a brilliant light.
As many as six magic stones were placed at regular intervals. Direc blinked his wide eyes and muttered.
“Who put this here…” … .”
However, there were things other than magic stones.
Neatly trimmed chickens, rabbits, and even deer. It is a sight that looks as if they are about to offer something as a sacrifice to someone.
“Were you planning on performing some kind of ritual?”
It was a reasonable guess.
But I soon shook off the distracting thoughts. Because that’s not what’s important now.
The only thing that matters is the highest-grade magic stone in front of you. Direc, looking at this, swallowed his saliva.
‘No one will see it anyway.’
Also, there was no video recording device.
So even if you take it, you won’t be caught.
‘Even if something goes wrong… … .’
There is a hole to escape.
All you have to do is blame Sirpi, who has been here with you all this time.
Right after I finished thinking about it up to this point.
Direc threw away all hesitation.
“Ugh, uhhh.”
Ending with greedy laughter.
In the blink of an eye, he stuffed six top-grade magic stones into his pocket.
“You’re lucky today.”
Afterwards, all animals presumed to be sacrifices were thrown into the lake and then turned around leisurely.
But is it because I am so overly happy that I lack attention? There was something he didn’t realize.
Puss! Fass!
Immediately, the gray smoke flowing from the magic stone began to seep into the body. However, Direc did not know this and continued his steps.
To area 2 where the students are.
7.
Meanwhile, at that time.
The testing room in Area 2 was busy with explanations related to the second test.
“The second test is a kind of treasure hunt.”
“All we have to do around here is find a substance with a constant flow of magic power and submit it.”
“The fewer bends there are in the magic flow, the higher the score, so please pay attention while taking the test.”
“Then the test will start now!”
Cue the cries of the supervisors.
The students immediately kicked the ground.
The time limit for the second test is 30 minutes.
There wasn’t enough time to take the test without using magical powers.
So it would be advantageous to move quickly.
With this thought in mind, the students busily wandered around and began exploring.
But unlike other students.
Some people were seen walking around leisurely, as if taking a walk. It was the Ulan group that achieved significant results in the first test.
This was a leisure for a reason.
“I think this would be appropriate.”
“I want to do this too.”
5 minutes into the exam.
Noah and Delia achieved their goal.
The two are loved by Mana.
Because the flow of magic power can be seen with the naked eye, it was possible to find substances with a constant flow of magic power without using cumbersome methods.
On the other hand, Ulan was not.
“Hmm.”
Ulan frowns and looks around. But no matter how hard I tried, nothing was resolved.
Was that a sad sight?
Delia quietly spoke.
“Shall I help you a little?”
“no. “I will find it on my own.”
Same answer as in the first test.
Anyway, I’m stubborn in a strange place.
Delia made a sullen expression. But this time he wasn’t as stubborn as before.
“I would like to hear if there is a way to distinguish it.”
If things continued like this, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goal as the days passed. And it was Noah who answered this request.
“That is surprisingly simple. “The stable flow of magic power means that the material itself is close to perfection.”
“Close to perfect?”
“Yes, so we just need to find a material that is as little affected by external stimuli as possible.”
“It’s an external stimulus… … .”
Ulan muttered softly.
Noah said, pointing to his pebble, which he found 5 minutes after the test started.
“The flow of magic power in this cobblestone is almost perfectly consistent. There are almost no curves. So, it will remain fine even in the face of considerable external stimulation. Through my demonstration… … .”
Let me prove what I just said.
Noah tried to say this.
But at that moment.
Swish!
Suddenly Ulan grabbed a pebble.
A pebble taken away in the blink of an eye. After being dazed for a moment, Noah hurriedly stretched out her hand.
“Now, wait… … !”
For some reason, I had an ominous feeling.
And Noah’s premonition turned into reality.
Quack! Buss!
A pebble that shattered with a loud noise.
It wasn’t simply broken into pieces, but turned into powder. Ulan tilted his head as he watched the debris pouring to the floor.
“It’s not?”
“… … !”
“I guess I chose wrong.”
Ulan mutters gravely.
At the same time, Noah’s eyes grew as big as a lamp.
“W-What are you doing?!”
“I tried providing external stimulation.”
“No, I didn’t mean that kind of external stimulation, I meant magical power. horsepower!”
“horsepower?”
Ulan frowned.
As if asking what you are talking about now.
“You can’t use your magic today, right?”
“Ugh, that’s why I gave this away!”
Noah, who was crying, took out an iron skewer.
This is a tool distributed to the proctors before starting the explanation of the second test.
It is a ‘simple magic detector’.
When you bring this to the surface of an object, a weak magical response occurs at that moment.
And the main content of this test is to calculate the magical power flow of the object based on the reaction that occurred at this time.
“Ha, now I will explain how to use it. First, place this skewer on an object… … .”
But before the explanation was even finished.
Quack! Crash!
Ulan’s simple magic detector probed the nearby rock. With the sound of the rock being ground, the skewer was stuck near the handle.
A truly formidable force.
Ulan clicked his tongue and muttered softly.
“I think this is a dud too.”
“… … “The usage is wrong.”
“So it wasn’t stabbing, it was cutting?”
“Rather, let’s first abandon the idea of using it as a weapon.”
Noah sighed.
There is no end to explaining it in words.
“First, Delia and I will show you a demonstration, so you can follow along… … .”
Then I closed my mouth again.
This was because Delia, who had been with me until just now, had suddenly disappeared. Where has she gone? The moment I was looking around.
“If it’s Delia, it’s over there.”
Ulan pointed in a direction.
Right near the border between Areas 2 and 3. Delia was just standing there, staring blankly towards Area 3.
“Delia!”
When Noah called her name loudly, Delia immediately turned her head.
“Why are you looking at me like that since a while ago?”
“I was a little nervous.”
“Area 3?”
Delia nodded silently.
She muttered with a stern face.
“… … “Something bad is coming.”
As soon as Delia finished answering.
A thin shadow was cast in the direction of Area 3. After a while, along with the gray haze, I felt a clear presence.
And that moment.
The identity of the opponent has been revealed.
“That… … !”
A man whose complexion turned pitch black.
A man who emits a gray haze that is somehow threatening.
It was Professor ‘Direc Ormine’.
Chapter 22. a changing future
fantasy,
