NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69
Huff.
I shot up and panted for breath.
“A dream. It was just a dream.”
Instead of waking up from a deep sleep as usual or from the white space summoned by Chaos, I actually had a real dream for the first time in a while.
‘Was yesterday’s story from Edwin that impressive?’
I recalled the moment when I first fell into the 3rd District and desperately fought to survive.
I splashed my face with water and sighed deeply.
“Now that I’ve decided to go, I shouldn’t put it off any longer.”
Once my deliberation was over, actions needed to be swift. I quickly washed up and prepared myself.
I was sure the Magic Tower was located between District 2 and District 3.
Is it really okay to go there dressed in this ragged armor?
‘What if some noble sneered at my appearance?’
…Whatever. If someone in Labyrinth City criticizes an adventurer’s equipment, it’s the critic that’s strange.
Clack.
“Hmm? It’s still early to be awake. You look like you had a restless night.”
Since it was early, I planned to just get my breakfast outside, but that thought flew out the window.
Contrary to that notion, Rotten was already sitting at the counter, perusing a newspaper.
‘Ugh. Anyone would mistake him for a ghost.’
“I had a dream for the first time in ages. You’re up early, aren’t you?”
“Haha. When you get old, you sleep less. So, are you planning to go out now?”
“Yes. I took a personal request, so I’m heading to the Magic Tower. I don’t know what might happen there or how long it’ll take, so I might have to stay out tonight.”
“Is that so? I understand. I’ll let Lumia know.”
Rotten gestured toward a table.
“By the way, you should eat something before leaving. It’s essential to have a full stomach for strength, no matter where you go.”
Nodding in agreement, I sat down as sounds of busy cooking echoed from the kitchen.
“Here, eat this before it gets cold.”
A bowl of soup filled with meat and potatoes, a chunk of rye bread, a boiled egg, and a glass of milk.
I cleaned my plate and left the inn.
“Remember our conversation from yesterday in the backyard. Just keep your head up and be confident. Shoulders back! Chest out!”
“Haha. I’ll keep that in mind. I’m off now.”
Was it the meal or Rotten’s kindness that made me feel so secure?
I confidently stepped out.
*
Wow, it took a long time.
Somewhere between District 2 and District 3. It was my first time traveling so far within Labyrinth City.
“Mi… insane.”
Getting off the carriage and glancing around, I couldn’t help but be surprised.
The Magic Tower.
No matter how much I looked up, the towering structure was so high and massive that I couldn’t see the top.
The white spire, also known as the Ivory Tower of Magic, soared high into the sky, displaying its grandeur.
‘At this rate, my neck will break. I should stop staring up and find the entrance. Where is it?’
After looking around a bit, I soon spotted a massive entrance guarded by several armored gatekeepers.
Among them, I discreetly watched a gatekeeper in full plate armor who seemed to be the leader.
────
[Vincent Zordic]
[Strength: A-] [Agility: B+] [Durability: A+]
[Health: A] [Magic: A-] [Luck: B]
[Accolades] (Fold)
Advanced Defense Technique
Shield of Judgment
Magic Affinity
Troll Regeneration
Crisis Detection
Defensive Inscription
Magic Strike
Stomp
You Shall Not Pass
Ironclad Flag
Fortification
────
────
────
[You Shall Not Pass (A)] [A]
A determination to protect what he vowed to safeguard, wielding sword and shield.
Certainly, only a handful could proceed behind him without his permission.
─Activation Phrase, “You Shall Not Pass.”
─When a target is specified, grants strong resistance to all status conditions in combat with that target.
─When multiple targets are specified, grants medium resistance to all status conditions in combat with those targets.
─If a weaker ally is behind the user at the time of specification, grants push resistance and stiffening resistance until combat ends.
────
────
────
[Fortification (A)] [A]
Standing solemnly upon the earth with shield raised, he becomes the very fortress itself.
─Activate by raising the shield and saying “Fortification.”
─After activation, continuously consumes magic to apply strong damage reduction.
─After activation, continuously consumes magic to apply strong magic resistance.
─Before the fortification state ends, damage dealt to the opponent is significantly reduced.
────
Whoa. It feels like I’m encountering stronger people in the city every time.
Vincent Zordic, radiating an imposing aura, clad in armor that revealed not a hint of flesh.
The fact that such a strong individual worked as a gatekeeper really showcased the might of the Magic Tower.
Clunk.
‘Crap. I’m going to be caught.’
Even though I was at a distance, sensing something odd, I hurriedly withdrew my gaze from the gatekeeper who turned his head in my direction.
Pretending to be nonchalant, I slowly moved along with the line entering the Magic Tower as my turn approached.
“Please state the purpose of your visit. Unless you possess a visitor’s pass, or are a magician affiliated with the Magic Tower, you cannot enter without a specific purpose.”
Let’s see. I had the verification letter I received from the Guild in my bag, right?
“Here, this is proof that I received a personal request from the Adventurer’s Guild. Please check it.”
The gatekeeper thoroughly examined it, as if he wouldn’t let even one letter slip by.
“Verification complete. It appears to be your first visit. Please be advised that any unnecessary commotion inside the tower may lead to forceful expulsion with the use of violence, so be cautious. You may enter.”
Wow, his every action was sharp as a blade.
I slightly nodded in acknowledgment and then passed by him into the Magic Tower.
Doom─
“Oof. Is this the barrier that I read about in books?”
After taking just a few steps, I felt a heavy sensation engulf my entire body as if I were diving underwater.
It was definitely the barrier created by Belmosius.
The Archmage Belmosius supposedly infused his life essence into a barrier spanning the entire Magic Tower.
I didn’t really understand the workings behind it, but it supposedly had the effect of filtering out individuals infused with the evil god’s aura from entering the tower.
‘Well, I’m lucky that Seres is a neutral deity, so I can enter safely.’
The inside of the Magic Tower had an overall tranquil atmosphere.
Though the 1st-floor lobby was bustling with people, everyone seemed to keep themselves in check.
Besides, there didn’t seem to be a need to wait in line or to take a number.
I approached a relatively quiet desk to speak with the staff.
“Excuse me, I’ve come regarding a request; could you please tell me where to go?”
“Yes, yes! Just a moment!”
“⋯?”
Why is he stuttering?
“Ahem. Yes! Please tell me.”
“Actually, I’m here to meet a magician from the Earth School, Heins.”
“May I have your name, please?”
“Aren. It’s Aren.”
The employee fiddled with a sizeable board that seemed like a magic tool.
“Alright. I have confirmed that a visit has been arranged by the 4th-tier magician, Heins. Please take the magical elevator next to you to the Riphiderium.”
Vroom.
The employee handed me a square object dangling like an office ID.
“If you infuse your magical power into the small magic circle at the upper right, it will stop at the appropriate floor for your purpose. Do you have any questions?”
‘So, this is like an elevator and a button? Though it looks much coarser than the modern ones. Magic is incredible.’
“Thank you. You’re very kind. Well then, I’m off.”
“Wait, wait! ⋯he’s gone. I should have asked which inn he’s staying at.”
Though I heard a voice from behind, it was mumbled enough for me to ignore as I stepped into the elevator.
‘So, I’m supposed to place this here?’
Infusing my magic into the designated magic circle, I felt the elevator begin to slowly ascend.
It was slower than expected. It really can’t compare to modern times.
*
Vroom.
Ding!
I arrived at the 27th floor.
There were several doors leading to research labs, but soon I found the door with Heins’ name on it.
Is this it? Heins’ personal research room.
Knock, knock.
I knocked and waited briefly at the door when a familiar voice came from inside.
“It’s open, come in.”
Clack.
As I entered, I saw Heins, one of the four I fought with on the 1st floor.
“I received your report. You mentioned you’re Aren… hmm?”
Dressed in tidy brown attire that looked sharp compared to his appearance in the labyrinth, he exuded a scholarly aura.
“Oh! While I had my doubts, I didn’t expect to meet that very Aren. It’s not particularly a rare name, as you know.”
Heins smiled brightly, clearly pleased.
“Since the Guild only conveyed your basic information about the adventurer taking the request, it was a bit ambiguous. But it’s good; Aren is reliable.”
“Haha. I was also shocked to learn that the requester was Heins. The world feels both vast and small at the same time.”
“Indeed. It’s nice to see a comrade in such an unexpected place.”
He extended his hand for a handshake, and I readily took it to shake.
“Oh, I’m sorry; I was so pleased that I awkwardly welcomed you. Please, have a seat.”
After sitting down, I finally took a good look around the inside, which I had missed at first, hidden by Heins’ presence.
As expected from the Earth School floor, or perhaps just Heins’ personal taste, the room was filled with shades of brown and ochre.
One wall was lined with thick books tightly packed into a bookshelf.
On another side were shelves filled with flasks containing soil and various types of stones.
Clink.
After he stepped away for a moment after saying to sit, he came back with a tray of tea and cookies.
“Let’s have some tea while we talk.”
Slurp.
The tea tasted great. Come to think of it, I saw Viktor and Leisya’s status screens, but I never checked Heins’. He’s probably a noble.
As I savored the tea, I glanced at Heins.
────
[Heins Müller]
[Strength: D-] [Agility: D-] [Durability: D]
[Health: D] [Magic: C+] [Luck: D-]
[Accolades] (Fold)
Earth Magic Proficiency
Fallen Noble
Solid Magic
Diligent Worker
Mineral Affinity
────
Uh-oh. I’d better avoid discussing his status related to nobility.
“By the way, before we unwind, can we perhaps take a look at the item you requested?”
“Of course. Oh, you’re aware of the condition of the core, right?”
“I received a brief idea of the request’s item condition from the Guild, so no need to worry. Since it’s meant for research, even if it’s broken, that’s fine.”
Phew. I almost came all this way and ended up going home empty-handed if I didn’t know that.
I quietly let out a sigh of relief and pulled the golem’s core out from my backpack.
“Oho! I’ll make sure to pay you handsomely, so may I take a look?”
I nodded, thinking there shouldn’t be any problem.
“Hmm. Hm. Gasp, this is a complex structure. Huh?! The final part is completely erased, though?”
Heins stared at the core with an almost hypnotic gaze.
“Let’s see, if we interweave this part like this and add a spell…”
Spark.
Suddenly, light began to shimmer from the inside of the damaged golem’s core, and sparks started flying everywhere.
“Whoa, Aren, you’ve really brought something outrageous!”
“Looks like you’re even more thrilled than I expected. So, does that mean you have some results?”
“Hahaha! More than you can imagine. Typically in negotiations, you shouldn’t reveal your hand first or show your emotions too quickly, but I must admit defeat. I can’t help it.”
Clearing his throat awkwardly after the delayed embarrassment, Heins continued.
“Hm, hm. It seems I’m getting a bit carried away. Before discussing remuneration, may I take a moment to ask how you acquired this?”
“Well… it’s going to be a long story. Do you have the time?”
“Hmm… I don’t really have any crucial appointments today. Why don’t we chat, settle the remuneration, and then go have a look at my magic demonstration?”
‘That sounds great. I’ll get to see new magic.’
I agreed it was a fine idea and started recalling the events from my recent exploration, ensuring to omit sensitive details.
*
“…Who visited? I can’t have heard that right? There’s no one around, so there’s no need to speak carefully.”
─Absolutely! The one you’ve been yearning for, Aren, has just visited the Magic Tower.
WHAM!
“Are you certain?! Is he for real? Did you mistake him for some other guy?!”
─He is. With striking black hair and mysterious golden eyes, even with the characteristic of being a low-ranking adventurer, it’d be strange to NOT recognize him.
“Alright… thanks. I’ll be sure to repay you later.”
─Are you sure? I’m now tied into the line of the Scarlet, which isn’t exactly easy for me. If the other candidates find out, I might be in trouble!
Scarlet spoke softly with a smile.
“No matter how much I may dislike her, she is my father’s only daughter, and with her talent that earns her the title of genius, she won’t stay hidden, right? You don’t actually think I’ll be imprisoned here forever?”
─Of course not. That’s the reason why I didn’t stand in line before the rest.
“Hmph. Well, then stop doubting me and work harder. So, where exactly is Aren now?”
─I secretly inquired at the desk, and it seems he’s currently having a pleasant conversation in the personal research room of Heins from the Earth School.
As soon as the words from the small communication device fell to silence, Scarlet squeezed her face as if having a creepy imagination.
“Heins? The name sounds ambiguous. I hope he’s not a woman.”
─He’s a man, a man! Not even a homosexual!
“Alright. I should probably wrap things up here. I’ll contact you later, so you rest up.”
Click.
While the flames of fury crackled around her, Scarlet whispered.
“Aah. I can’t get out right now, what am I supposed to do─?”
Whoosh─!
In that case, I might have to send a decoy.