Published at 30th of November 2023 6:35 am

Chapter 350

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At Merlin's insistence, everyone unanimously agreed to temporarily set aside the concerns regarding Oliver and, instead, focus on discussing the betrayal of the Life School faction and the Department of Life Alchemy. This was the most urgent matter at hand.

Once the decision was reached, Merlin instructed Oliver and Kevin to leave the tent. Given the gravity of the situation, it was deemed best for these two contentious figures to be absent.

Although Merlin had been the initial source of controversy, Kevin, as a disciple, respectfully complied with Merlin's directive without hesitation.

Oliver mirrored this gesture and followed Kevin out of the tent.

"I'm sorry," Oliver immediately expressed his apology as he followed Kevin out of the tent.

His apology pertained to the revelation of his true identity. Although he had previously apologized for this, he felt compelled to do so once more.

While it may not have been a major issue, he felt remorseful for putting Kevin in an uncomfortable situation.

Kevin casually replied, "It's okay. It's all in the past, and the fact that your identity was revealed actually made things easier to handle."

"Even so, I'm sorry… It feels like I've put your efforts to waste," Oliver admitted.

Upon hearing these seemingly significant words, Kevin hesitated briefly, gazing at Oliver with contemplation.

He then quietly led Oliver to a secluded spot, distancing themselves from others.

Once they had created some distance and privacy, Kevin concentrated mana at his fingertips and cast a soundproofing spell by snapping his fingers.

"Are you pitying me?" Kevin inquired.

"Pity?"

"Yes, after hearing about my past from Theodore."

Kevin's expression displayed a hint of fatigue and mild irritation.

"I don’t really know. I don't understand what pity is," Oliver replied.

If it had been an ordinary person, such a response might have sounded sarcastic, but Kevin didn't react with anger. He recognized Oliver's sincerity.

"I think you're impressive,"Oliver added.

"Uh?"

"Yes, despite your personal feelings, you still tried to save your students."

Recollecting Kevin's emotions at that moment, Oliver continued.

Kevin hadn't forgotten his past or his grudges; instead, he had buried them deep within himself, transforming them into something even more powerful.

Nevertheless, he had genuinely attempted to rescue Derick and Felix when they were in trouble.

It was a logical contradiction in emotions, yet these conflicting feelings emitted a beautiful radiance.

Elaborating on this, Kevin stated, "I’m not a fool who can't manage my affairs due to emotions."

"I know. That's why I think you're impressive."

"I don’t intend to take revenge through someone else’s hands. You know that, right?"

"Yes."

Oliver recalled the conversation between Kevin and Theodore.

Kevin had become Merlin's disciple not just to exact revenge on Merlin, his Master and arch-enemy, but also on all the wizards and their families involved in human experiments at the time.

To become the greatest wizard.

It wasn't an empty declaration; Kevin's burning anger and hatred were testament to that.

"So, I just did what I had to do for that day. Don't arbitrarily judge me as impressive or pitiable. I’m just acting according to my own plans. Got it?"

"Yes… I understand. And I'm sorry," Oliver conveyed his apology.

Perhaps Oliver had been too quick to judge. After all, Kevin was simply executing his own plan.

‘Still, I think he's impressive…'

Oliver thought to himself.

However, he decided not to delve further into the matter. Kevin, being directly involved, seemed reluctant to discuss it any further.

As the conversation regarding the issue tapered off, Kevin swiftly changed the topic.

"Can I hear what happened between you and Theodore? From our previous conversation, it seemed like something unusual had happened."Oliver proceeded to provide a brief account of his battle with Theodore, recounting how Theodore absorbed his grandson, Carl, and engaged him in combat by the lake, ultimately defeating Theodore.

‘Let's not talk about how Mr. Theodore tried to erode my body…'

As Oliver recollected the events while omitting some details, Kevin was inwardly astonished by Oliver's claim, although he didn't show it.

It was understandable because Theodore possessed a distinct presence even within the magical world.

However, Kevin's amazement grew exponentially when Gretel entered the conversation.

"Human-meat Chef's sister?!"

"Yes, her name is Gretel. She said it herself and seemed sincere, so it must be true."

"So, you're saying that Rose Du Bois, an exchange student from the Department of Life Alchemy, is the sister of the finger of Black Hand, Human-meat Chef?"

"Yes. As you know, it will probably be discussed over there." Oliver remarked, nodding toward the large tent in the distance.

"That is indeed surprising."

"I agree. I knew from the first time I met Miss Rose… no, Miss Gretel, that she was not an ordinary person, but I never expected her to be the sister of Mr. Human-meat Chef."

"Exactly. These guys usually operate secretly and are almost considered urban legends. And you broke that."

Kevin spoke as though he possessed some insider knowledge.

After all, war wizards like Kevin had the responsibility not only to combat enemies in warfare but also to apprehend warlocks, mana users, and street wizards who were exceptional criminals.

"So, it's good news. If what you said is true, no one will pay attention to you for a while."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, just the fact that someone as important as the sister of Human-meat Chef infiltrated the Department of Life Alchemy is a huge situation. No one will have time for minor issues. But this is really serious."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm guessing, but most likely the Department of Life Alchemy is already compromised from within. By Gretel. If someone as important as her is involved in this, she's not a mere henchman… It would turn both Rokuri University and even Galos upside down."

Upon reflection, it seemed logical.

If someone as significant as Gretel, who claimed to be Human-meat Chef's sister, was involved, it was more plausible to consider her the mastermind behind the incident.

And if a figure like Gretel had taken control of an entire department within a magic university, it would indeed be a significant problem, not only for Rokuri University but also for the Galos royal family, which had established it.

Nonetheless, one aspect puzzled Oliver.

"Human-meat Chef is also a warlock, right? Is it possible for them to compromise Rokuri University from within? Aren’t they wizards?"

Kevin scratched his head, as if finding an explanation challenging.

"Um… While it's true that warlocks are generally weaker than wizards, a monster like Human-meat Chef who has lived for hundreds of years is a different story. From what I know, Human-meat Chef and Millieu share the underworld of Galos."

Millieu. It was a term Oliver hadn't heard in a long time.

Back when he had visited Back Port with Joe and others, the local Crime Firm branch manager had informed him that Millieu was a criminal syndicate in Galos.

A vast alliance of criminal organizations.

However, they were more akin to warriors than businessmen, rough around the edges due to their origins in thieves, bandits, and fallen nobility.

However, the revelation that Human-meat Chef held sway over the underworld of Galos in opposition to Millieu was a piece of information Oliver immediately etched into his memory.

"It’s nice to say it’s divided, but in reality, they are being pushed by Human-meat Chef."

"‘Is that so?"

"‘Yes. In terms of organizational power, business items, connections, and even military strength, they are gradually declining because they are being pushed by Human-meat Chef. Human-meat Chef himself is an outstanding warlock, and not only that, he controls a strong organization centered around himself… You could even say it's an empire in the underworld of Galos."

"‘An empire in the underworld…" The expression was quite heavy. Especially coming from Kevin, it seemed even heavier.

"‘You seem to know a lot?"

"‘I asked someone in the military for some of the latest information."

"‘Is there a reason for that?"

"‘Well… just in case?"

Oliver tilted his head at the unknown words. What was more questionable was that it wasn’t entirely a lie.

"‘Anyway, if she's the younger sister of Human-meat Chef with such an organization, she probably can't be that bad. She has enough money and connections… She might even have provided what wizards want with the power of black magic."

"‘What would that be?"

"‘What would a wizard want? Knowledge, power, youth, things like that. The Black Hand has been living for hundreds of years, so it wouldn’t be strange if they possess what wizards so desire."

It didn't seem to be a wrong statement.

There would also be those interested in the knowledge of dark magic like Theodore.

"‘Anyway, this is quite a big deal. The Black Hand, which usually operates under the radar, acted officially… No matter how secretive the Magic Tower is, they can’t hide this fact for long. They have to announce it publicly, and discuss it by joining forces with other powers. The Galos government, Landa City, the central government of the kingdom, the Pater Church, and so on."

As Kevin listed each organization, the seriousness of the matter sunk in even more.

"‘Because we have to have organic discussions with organizations of different characters, Master will probably take charge."

"‘Elder?"

"‘Archiver has a wide network and high authority, making it just right to handle such sensitive matters. Especially when the Magic Tower has its own faults. If he refuses, I don't know, but if Master volunteers, they'll actively cooperate."

"‘Ah…"

"Master will take on the task, so they won’t easily touch your problem… You’re lucky."

"Ah… That’s ironic. It seems like something bad happened, but I’m benefiting from it."

"Everything in the world operates by such principles. When war breaks out, the owners of weapon factories make money. When a new epidemic arises, pharmaceutical companies profit. Even during a depression, those who short stocks make money."

Upon hearing Kevin's seemingly experienced remark, Oliver fell into a momentary contemplation.

The world, he realized, was indeed intricate; any given occurrence could be either unfortunate or fortunate for someone. That's what made it so fascinating and captivating.

Oliver inquired, "So, what do you think will happen next, Professor?"

"To what?"

"The Life School betrayed Magic Tower, and the Department of Life Alchemy got exploited by Mr. Human-meat Chef. What do you think will happen?"

Kevin adopted a uniquely serious expression, deeply pondering the situation, as if he too found it difficult to reach a swift judgment.

"Um… Well, I haven't experienced anything like this before, but I can predict what might happen to the Life School."

"What will happen?"

Just as Kevin was about to respond, a tapping sound against the tent's exterior reached their ears.

Right in front of the soundproof barrier, Yareli gathered mana in her hand and tapped it against the barrier.

Though it wasn't a physical wall, she held Oliver and Kevin in high enough regard to summon them in this manner.

Kevin dispelled the soundproofing magic. "What's going on?"

"I have a message to deliver, Professor. First, Sir. Archiver will use the portal to take all the wizards here to his privately-owned hospital. Both of you should get ready."

"Good choice. It's easier to treat people when they're all gathered at the hospital, and it will also be easier to enforce the entry… Did you hear anything else?"

"I'm sorry. Myself, along with Mr. Terrence and others, were soon driven out of the tent. They said there were important matters to discuss."

"Ah, I see. Let's prepare immediately then."

Just as Kevin was about to take action, Oliver halted him.

"Professor, may I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"I have a place I'd like to visit briefly; may I go there?"

Though it was uncharacteristic of Oliver, Kevin's brow furrowed upon hearing Oliver's question. He wasn't likely to frivolously suggest going sightseeing… It made him curious.

"Where would you like to go?"

"An orphanage."

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