Chapter 30 – Life and Magic (2)

Life and Magic (2)

Derios borders various nations.

The Great Forest, home to diverse races; the Desert Sea of the Sand Nation; the Southern Swamp Kingdom; and the Country of Magic, where the Tower of Magic is located, all had a population that flowed as vast as the sea. A space with a large influx of people means the presence of various individuals. If the Empire had caught wind of my movements, this would be the first place they’d allocate their manpower and the most critical location to watch out for.

That’s why I couldn’t let my guard down until I had left that place.

I didn’t remove my hand from the pouch containing the holy sword. I maintained a ready posture to wield the dagger in my bosom at any moment. I even covered my eyes with a mask. Perhaps because of that, I attracted more attention than I had anticipated.

Just a few more steps to get out of Derios. Then, the Imperial army approached again,

“How many people are in your party?”

“Just two. One adult male and…, a girl.”

Surprisingly, I was able to enter the Magic Kingdom without any incident. Truly, nothing happened. It was an eerily quiet journey, almost frighteningly so.

“Your destination and duration of stay…?”

“The destination is the Tower of Magic in New Moon. The purpose is to deliver cargo. I also plan to purchase supplies, and the stay should be no longer than a week.”

Should I call it the calm before the storm? It’s unsettling how smoothly things are going. I started to feel anxious. As if I might get struck by a meteor while walking, or the ground would split open and I’d fall through.

I should be happy with such a comfortable journey, but it felt like something was about to happen.

“Yes, yes, please have a seat for a moment.”

But the situation was positive. In a week, I only encountered four Imperial soldiers. Two of them left after realizing they had mistaken me for someone else. I only had to fight directly with two.

Now it was definitely time for something to happen. Like Nerati bursting out to kill me, or the Emperor coming down with a greatsword, or Nicola charging at me wearing a mask or something like that.
Despite my anxious heart, the immigration process was proceeding swiftly.

After a bit of waiting, another person approached. It was a woman in uniform.
Following the guidance of the woman, who wore the Tower of Magic robe over her uniform, we arrived at a place filled with chairs. The room was quite clean. It was a space harmoniously designed with grey, white, and black.

But even then, I couldn’t let go of the holy sword.

This area is still jointly managed by the Empire and the Country of Magic. It wouldn’t be strange for something to happen for real.

The person who had been guiding me could turn on me and thrust a knife. Someone could burst out from that crowd and pierce my heart.

Was it because of my anxious mind, filled with such worries, that I couldn’t catch a wink of sleep? Before coming here, I hadn’t closed my eyes for even an hour over the past two days. Because of that, my mind became increasingly unhinged; it was a vicious cycle.

It was only after I had crossed the Country of Magic’s border checkpoint that I completely let go of the holy sword.

Yes, surprisingly, nothing happened from the time I arrived in Derios until I stepped foot into the Country of Magic. Even when the wind blew and Valkvogel’s horns were exposed several times, no one noticed.
Perhaps encountering the soldier when leaving the inn was a stroke of luck.
Well, it’s occasionally a place frequented by dragonkin, so it’s not surprising that no one was suspicious, but still, nothing truly happened.

That was what bothered me.

The thought that I could be ambushed at any time prevented me from shaking off the anxiety. Valkvogel looked at me with pity, but if we were caught here, everything would be for naught. Even that cold-eyed bastard would be disassembled cleanly and sold off to various nations if caught.

In reality, if I were caught, I’d probably just be imprisoned or scolded physically, but I absolutely must not be caught by the royal side that might be connected to the will. It’s not like the Emperor rules over everything, and it could be the rotten nobles under him who are pulling the strings. Still, the eyes and ears of the Empire could be near us.
Well, now that we’re inside the Country of Magic, even if they find me, they can’t actively engage in their schemes. Even the most powerful nation can’t wield its public authority in another country without a cause… well, there is a cause.
Anyway, it’s against the law to wield public authority in another country for a criminal… not an incredibly serious criminal, at least.

“Aren’t you worried at all?”

I nudged Valkvogel, who was sitting next to me. She had maintained an expressionless face ever since we took down the two soldiers. They say the time of the long-lived races passes slowly, but having a conversation that consists solely of ‘die’ is tough for both the listener and the speaker. Especially when being caught means not even peaceful death.

“…”

Well, maybe a dragon wouldn’t have a hard time. Seeing her stiff posture as she looked up at me, I don’t think she feels troubled.

It seems difficult to have a proper conversation for a while.

At times like this, it’s better not to force a conversation. If you try and it backfires, it won’t end with just a knife in the back of your head.
But I’ve already accumulated so much karma. Is it meaningless?

It looks like this atmosphere will continue until we part ways.

And after a little more time, another woman came. An old-looking robe. A decadent face. Not quite the Tower of Magic lord, but a position of similar standing, perhaps.

“Do you have something to prove your identity?”

Proving my identity.
Pulling out the holy sword would be a disaster. The Emperor’s seal… let’s put that away.

I rummaged through my bundle, wondering if there was anything useful. A token that Aeon had handed over during my days in the hero party caught my eye. After the Demon King’s death, Troka and I were to work at the Tower of Magic, so she told us to keep it in advance.

And yet, when Troka died, not a single tear was shown. Ironically enough.

Was it the token that she had to imbue with magic? The token shone brightly. And not long after, it was returned to me. With a mechanical smile and the usual cliché words.

“You may pass. Have a pleasant journey.”

It seems I’ve managed to get through, fortunately.

But how am I supposed to proceed? The outside is just a vast wasteland. Do I have to walk tediously again?

“So, if I just walk out this way—”

“When you wish to return, please imbue the token with magic once more.”

Before I could finish my sentence, the light flowing from the token enveloped my entire body.

Blackout.

That was my last memory.

—

When I opened my eyes, my head was spinning as if it were about to split open.

Right, it couldn’t have been that easy to arrive. Another imprisonment? But for that, it’s quite clean here, unless this is…

“Greetings. It’s the first time we have a guest here at the Tower of Magic who isn’t affiliated. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”

It was then that I took a look around. An old man with a refined and aged tone greeted me. It doesn’t seem like a kidnapping. It’s just that the Country of Magic’s technology has advanced to the point where teleportation magic can be used so casually at any moment.

Can so much change in just two years? The journey to defeat the Demon King felt like it passed by in a flash, and it still feels vivid to this day.

How am I remembered in the original world?
Well, I’ve probably been forgotten.
It’s only natural, considering I was an orphan with no friends other than the delinquents struggling to survive each day.

…Sigh.

“Yes, I’ll be in your care for a short while.”

This is the top floor of the Tower of Magic.
Or rather, the first floor with about 30 more floors to go. It won’t take long to get there.

Valkvogel is…, ah. Lying next to me.
I brought my finger to her nostril. Her breath tickled the tip of my finger. She seems to be alive. Perhaps she fainted because she couldn’t handle the teleportation.
It’s actually nice not to have her glaring at me while lying down. It’s somewhat comforting.

Anyway, Aeon must be at the top floor.

“By any chance, where is Aeon, the master of the Tower of Magic? Is she holed up like a recluse on the top floor?”

“Ah, Master Aeon is in the basement. She says she can concentrate better there.”

The old wizard stroked his beard and pointed with his finger towards the floor. Right below where I was standing, a door was visible.

The master of the Tower of Magic in the basement?
Maybe she’s cast a curse to turn some high-born brat into a frog.

I casually sat down and touched the door on the floor. It was hard yet smooth wood.
I tried pulling on the small handle, but it wouldn’t open. It felt like trying to uproot a tree that had taken hold in the ground.

“I’m sorry, but Aeon has left instructions not to let anyone in.”

He stopped me. Still engrossed in her research, it seems. The research from two years ago still isn’t finished? Some genius she is. More like a mad scientist.
No matter how much I tried, the door seemed to be magically sealed. What kind of research is she doing? Human transmutation, perhaps?
Well, it looks like it’s time for a forceful breakthrough. I’ll smash through everything, Tower of Magic be damned.

I drew the holy sword from my pocket. If I swing it down, it should open… Huh!

[It’s okay for you to come in.]

A voice hurriedly flowed into my mind just before the sword could strike. It was a familiar and gentle tone, but there was also a hint of surprise, as if she hadn’t expected me to come.

Slowly, the door opened. Judging by the blue hue on the handle, it was magic.

I looked at the old wizard. He seemed a bit surprised, but he quickly composed himself as he noticed my gaze.

“Ah, please leave that one lying there alone. It’s better not to touch her. She’s a bit violent.”

“Indeed, that sword… Ahem. Yes, I will do so.”

The wizard seemed lost in thought upon seeing the holy sword. Maybe I shouldn’t have drawn it. But since it’s already out, I might as well walk in confidently.

And Valkvogel… I should probably leave her behind to avoid trouble. It was Aeon who cut off her horn, so there’s no need to bring her along.

I stepped through the door. Perhaps due to the room being filled with magical energy, my Mind’s Eye activated automatically. It was a place brimming with ominous energy. It looked a bit dangerous, but I couldn’t not go.

I took a step towards the place that made my mind feel hazy.

To see for myself what had become of that overconfident, brilliant researcher.
And, while I’m at it, to deliver a letter.