Multiverse: Dimension Hopping Mage

Chapter 99: Best Supporting Actor, Please

"Exactly," Alex replied, pretending to be very "straightforward" as he nodded to the round-faced bishop's inquiry.

"During the recent mission, by a stroke of luck, I ended up fighting two mages. The magic they wielded left a profound impression on me. I believe that in order to effectively counter magic, one must first understand its principles. So, I do intend to study magic..."

"I see."

Before Alex could finish, the round-faced bishop interrupted him, his smile growing even wider. Beside him, the thin bishop frowned, showing a hint of dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, Archbishop Carl remained with his eyes half-closed, as if he were dozing off.

"I've heard from Stone that you possess a deep understanding of the power of the Holy Light, and you can skillfully wield it. Now, are you saying that you believe magic to be superior to the Holy Light?"

"That's not what I meant, Your Grace," Alex responded with a slight shift in expression, as if he were flustered.

"I simply believe that both the Holy Light and magic have their strengths in different fields. If I could learn both..."

"I understand what you're saying."

The thin bishop began to speak, but before he could continue, the round-faced bishop cut in once more, still wearing his jovial smile.

"It's rare to see someone with such insight. Indeed, both magic and the Holy Light are part of the forces of order. I think your idea is excellent. In fact, I personally agree to your request, and I'll ensure you gain entry into the Tower of the Sky to study magic. Would you like that?"

"Thank you, Your Grace!"

This time, Alex showed genuine delight, hurriedly expressing his gratitude. Meanwhile, the thin bishop glanced at Alex with the expression of a policeman watching a victim fall for a scam, letting out a resigned sigh.

"Any thoughts from the two of you?"

The round-faced bishop, now beaming even more, turned to Archbishop Carl and the thin bishop. The thin bishop frowned, as if he wanted to say something. Unfortunately, at that moment, Archbishop Carl seemed to have awoken. He quietly gazed at Alex for a moment before giving a slight nod.

"Since he agrees, I have no objections."

"Neither do I."

Perhaps after being interrupted multiple times, the thin bishop had lost interest. He shook his head, gave Alex a glance, and then nodded in agreement.

"Then it's settled."

After receiving confirmation from the other two, the round-faced bishop turned to Alex with a cheerful grin once again.

"The council has approved your request. Conveniently, the investigative mages from the Tower of the Sky are here, and they will take you to the tower to begin your studies. As for the spirit crystals you requested, we will prepare them as well. You may leave now."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Alex, now wearing an "excited" smile, respectfully bowed to the three of them before turning to leave. As soon as he stepped out of the hall, he couldn't hold back his excitement, clenching his fist in triumph.

Success!

Though the round-faced bishop's smile seemed kind and amicable, Alex wasn't naïve. After years in management, he was more than familiar with the workings of people's minds.

In any organization, be it a company or a faction, what is most valued in a subordinate?

Ability and loyalty!

While ability can be scarce, loyalty is what any organization values above all else. Loyalty doesn't just mean devotion to a single person; it's about sharing the same values, interests, and goals as the organization. This is the foundation of any enduring loyalty, whether for a small group or a large nation.

On the surface, the round-faced bishop wasn't wrong. The sanctuary serves as the protector of order, and both the Holy Light and magic are parts of that order. So, whether you study Holy Light or magic, it's all in service to the same cause, right?

But that's just the kind of argument you use to fool a child.

If there's no real difference, why haven't the Temple of Contemplation and the Tower of the Sky merged by now? From what Alex had seen, it was a miracle the sanctuary and the tower hadn't fought each other to the death.

Alex knew exactly why the round-faced bishop had made that offer. By agreeing to his terms, Alex would essentially be barring himself from ever rising within the sanctuary!

In simple terms, Alex, as an employee, didn't align with the sanctuary's corporate culture and lacked a sense of belonging to the group. He also held views that clashed with those of his superiors. It's like if a company decided to pour all its resources into creating the next big FPS sequel, but you, the employee, argued that FPS games were doomed and they should develop an RTS instead. Which manager would value such an employee? You'd be lucky not to get fired at the first opportunity.

In accepting this reward, Alex was cleverly being pushed aside.

As for the Tower of the Sky, they might be highly attentive to Alex at first, but Alex knew they wouldn't trust him much either. After all, he was a member of the sanctuary, and likely the only knight from there learning magic. That identity alone ensured he wouldn't be able to rise within the ranks of the mages.

For someone else, the round-faced bishop's scheme would have been a vicious one, ensuring they'd never make it to the top. But for Alex, it was perfect!

I love you, man! You're like an Oscar-winning supporting actor!

Though it might seem like Alex, as a fence-sitter, would be disliked by both sides, the truth is, fence-sitters are despised because they are weak. But once a fence-sitter becomes a towering tree, the issue of being despised no longer exists.

Alex didn't want to get too close to the sanctuary, nor did he want to be tied too closely to the Tower of the Sky. His position as a double agent was ideal. If things went south, he could easily abandon both sides and would feel no guilt about opposing them. After all, "don't hit a smiling face"—when people treat you well, it's hard not to reciprocate.

Of course, Alex knew that his so-called fiefdom was out of the question now. The sanctuary wouldn't hand over land to a knight going off to study magic. What if those mages took it over? But that was fine. He hadn't planned on managing that land anyway. He was still waiting to dive into other "dungeons" and might be gone for weeks or months at a time. Who had time to handle fiefdom affairs? Extended absences would also raise suspicion. It was better to stay free, so if he disappeared for a while, it could easily be explained.

Just then, a voice broke the silence.

"Is this the decision you've made?"

Hearing the voice, Alex stopped and turned toward it. From the shadows, Archbishop Carl emerged, watching him intently.

"Archbishop Carl."

Alex wasn't surprised by Carl's appearance. During the fight with the six-armed demon, Alex had used several different powers, and Carl had surely been nearby. If Bella, the demon, had sensed Alex's aura, then Carl must have noticed it too.

"You've chosen to leave the sanctuary. Can you tell me why?"

Clearly, Alex wasn't the only sharp one—Carl wasn't naïve either.

"I'm just an ordinary person."

Alex sighed at the question, meeting the archbishop's deep gaze.

"To be honest, I don't have the resolve of someone like the grand paladins or Malt. During that battle, more than half of the mercenaries who went with me died. I know they were compensated, but… I'm not good at leading others to their deaths."

"Every man must have the courage to face his responsibilities."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this world is too big, and my hands are too small. Just protecting the people I know has taken everything I've got."

"You are still young."

The archbishop paused, reflecting on Alex's response.

"Very well. Stubbornness and independence are the privileges of youth. Sometimes, running away isn't cowardice. At least you understand the weight of responsibility. That's better than those who dream blissfully, ignorant of what it means. I only ask one thing: stand with order and never bow to chaos."

"...I'll do my best."

"Good."

Satisfied with Alex's response, the archbishop nodded, then turned and disappeared back into the shadows.

"Don't worry about the Tower of the Sky. I'll have an old friend look after you... grow strong, child."

(End of the chapter)

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