Published at 11th of March 2024 9:38 am

Chapter 399

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Its not a joke, really feels like its been a long time. Merlin remarked as he and Oliver stood in a corner of the building. Oliver nodded in agreement.

I feel the same way. It hasnt been that long, though. Oliver added.

In reality, the time since Merlin and Oliver had parted ways hadnt been very long. However, it felt like a reunion after an extended period because both had been busy during their separation.

After parting with Oliver, Merlin had diligently investigated the Life School, submitted Olivers thesis on his behalf, and, as an Archiver, visited various factions to work on minimizing damage.

Oliver, too, had been occupied. After completing his thesis, he had gone to Wineham to engage with the paladins, purchased a building in District X, and held discussions with the District Z Anti-Development Committee and the Bathory family. He had even unexpectedly become a messenger for Human-meat Chef, leaving him with no spare moments.

Indeed, they had both been exceptionally busy, which contributed to the sense of a longer separation than it actually was.

Your clothes look nice. Oliver commented on Merlins outfit, noticing the formal suit he was wearing, which was unusual for him.

Even when I was unemployed, I had to dress appropriately for work Been ages since I slipped into this gear, doesnt it seem a bit wonky?

Merlin asked, showcasing the suit, which, while not extravagant like the attire of other wizards in the tower, exuded a dignified charm of its own.

It seemed to fit him naturally, radiating an innate elegance.

Oliver replied with honesty, Not at all. It suits you very well, Elder.

Merlin appreciated the compliment and responded, Its nice of ya to say that Thank you for callin me Elder, mate.

What do you mean?

Thought you said you were quitting being my disciple the last time we parted. It was an honor to have you, even temporarily.

Confusion briefly crossed Olivers face, but then he recalled their previous conversation. magic

Ah Ah. Thats not what I meant. It was just in case I couldnt come back I apologize if it caused any misunderstanding.

Merlin sought clarification, So, still my disciple?

Oliver nodded, If you would allow it, of course.

Good Then, may I ask if the Wineham matter was resolved?

In response to Merlins inquiry, Oliver nodded and proceeded to recount the incident in detail.

He described his journey to Wineham, his discovery of Marie and her group, and the intense battle he had fought against the paladins.

After hearing the entire narrative, Merlin expressed his gratitude, saying, Im grateful that you didnt kill anyone as I asked.

Oliver nodded in acknowledgment, although deep down, he couldnt help but think that it had been a perilous situation. While he had no intention of killing in the final battle, there had been moments when he thought it might not matter if it happened if they lived or died.

The reason he had managed to keep his promise to Merlin was due to a chance encounter with a destitute family near the end of the conflict. Oliver recollected that moment and the emotions he had experienced, finding it somewhat embarrassing.

She all good? Merlin inquired.

Who? Oliver asked in return.

The lady who was stabbed with a sword. Marie, right?

Ah Yes, shes safe, Oliver responded, though the memory of that moment seemed somewhat blurred.

Shes really lucky then. To survive being stabbed by a paladins sword. God must have helped her. Merlin remarked.

Oliver remained silent, unable to recall precisely how he had treated Marie. He was sure he had attended to her, but the memory was somewhat hazy.

Seeing Olivers confused expression, Merlin smoothly transitioned to a different topic, asking, But are you worried that your identity was discovered?

Yes? Oh, yes, thats right. Elder I tried to conceal my identity as a druid and confronted the paladins, but they are strong and have good instincts I cant shake off the feeling that I was found out.

So, you even asked the city for help?

Yes.

If you were discovered, its unfortunate, but its still remarkable. To think that far and prepare on your own.

I caused the issue, so it seemed right for me to resolve it Many people helped me. Oliver replied.

Hearing Olivers response, Merlin nodded thoughtfully and then shifted the conversation, asking,Has there been any movement from the Parter Church yet?

No, Oliver replied. According to Mr. Carver, its quiet.

Then it should be fine That place is known for its intense internal strife.

Internal strife?

Yes, no fam without a bit of biff. Parter Church is a big house, and a special one at that. Just watch it, mate. Poke your nose where it dont belong, and youll end up as bald as a coot. Like me. Merlin quipped, pointing to his own head.

Oliver nodded, understanding that worrying about things already decided wouldnt solve anything. If problems arose, they could address them at that time, and it wouldnt be too late.

Lets leave other families issues aside and talk about our own family matters The Bathory leftovers you dragged in.

Yes, Elder May I ask how they have been settled?

Towers giving em the nod.

Thats a relief. Oliver replied, his relief evident in his words.

He knew that if the tower had not accepted them, the remnants of the Bathory family would have had to flee Landa, escaping Human-meat Chef and seeking refuge in the farthest corners of the world. It was an outcome that was both inevitable and regrettable.

However, now that the tower had agreed to take them in, they were spared from such a fate, which Oliver considered fortunate.

They were lucky. If it had been before the Lake Village incident, they wouldnt have even been heard The order in the tower is strict, and the reputation is impeccable, so they wouldnt have taken the unnecessary risk. Merlin remarked, acknowledging the towers decision. But now its different. Whether they were complacent or not, the encounter with the warlock at Lake Village gave em a rude awakening.

Because of Lake Village? Oliver inquired.

There would be people upset by this, but frankly, its true. Sufferings brought em to their senses Sad, really. Wouldve been better if they woke up before gettin a knock. Merlin explained, and for a moment, a genuine sadness appeared in his expression, which was unusual for him.

Oliver observed Merlins demeanor and decided not to rush to offer comfort or agreement. It felt somewhat impolite to do so without fully understanding Merlins emotions.

Merlin continued, The girls will be assigned to the Blood Magic sub-school. Ill be keepin an eye on em. The Blood Magic sub-school is affiliated with the Life School.

Oliver found it an interesting coincidence but not an unfavorable arrangement. He believed Merlin could effectively oversee Unna and her companions, and discrimination against them seemed unlikely.

Oliver then produced a handle with a red button from his pocket and handed it to Merlin, saying, Please take this. Its a detonator.

A detonator? Merlin questioned.

Yes, to set off the bomb, you need a detonator.

Merlin appeared surprised and asked, You actually plant a bomb?

Yes. Of course Is there a problem? Oliver responded.

Um Nah, its my fault for not being used to it For your information, those girls will officially enter Landa City as refugees. As wizard refugees.

Refugees? Oliver inquired.

Yes, refugees from the central continent. Admin theres a mess, and a considerable number of refugees emerge every year, so its easy to blend in. In fact, its a route mainly used by brokers. Coming in as refugees allows them to get a completely new identity, so its not a bad deal in many ways.

Oh That seems like a good method.

Youre affiliatin with the tower the same way.

Me?

Yes, while deciding the fate of the Bathory family, your situation was also decided. As a street wizard with no affiliation to any school, employed by the tower.

But wasnt I already announced as a test subject of the tower?

There are also those who dont think so. So many events have happened so confusingly, and theres been your contributions So, were stickin with this.. It also makes it easier to dismiss you if any issues arise.

Thats wise. Oliver replied sincerely.

Your status will be as an average wizard, and your position is that of an irregular employee of the tower The position is low and the salary is meager, but youll have minimal obligations to the tower and can leave or be let go at any time.

That sounds good to me, Oliver said, expressing his satisfaction with the position of an irregular employee at the lower levels of the tower. He didnt mind the lower salary, as it was still considered high compared to his previous circumstances. Most importantly, it resolved the main concern Oliver had. He was genuinely thankful for this arrangement.

Its a suitable treatment. Youve already proven your abilities a while ago with your deeds at Lake Village and your thesis. Plus, your persuasive skills in dealing with the Bathory family Theyve decided that what you hold is beneficial to the tower.

Still, Im thankful May I ask what the minimum obligations are?

Arrive at 9 in the morning, leave at 6 in the evening. Perform the tasks given by the tower You might cop extra tasks, but at least you get a say in takin em or givin em the flick.

I understand. Thats generous. Oliver replied appreciatively.

Towers always a bit of a soft touch, especially for those with the goods. Sometimes a bit too soft Heard you volunteered for the Galos vanguard earlier, yeah? Merlin inquired.

Yes, thats right, Oliver confirmed. He recalled that right after delivering Human-meat Chefs message, he had declared his intention to go to Galos, and the tower had not opposed this decision.

I think Galos will be interesting, and I would like to meet Human-meat Chef, Oliver explained.

Human-meat Chef? Why? Merlin inquired with curiosity.

Umm I want to hit Human-meat Chef.

Ah

And, I have something Im curious about regarding him.

Whats that?

Just something Im curious about.

***

A week had passed.

As Merlin had suggested, with the towers assistance and a clandestine arrangement with the city, Unna and her companions had successfully concealed their true identities as refugee wizards from the central continent and obtained new identities in just three days.

Landas immigration and refugee policies, aimed at securing a large workforce, allowed them to seamlessly blend in with their new identities without arousing suspicion.

With their new identities established, Unna and her companions officially became recognized as sisters on paper and were employed by the tower, assigned to the Blood Magic sub-school.

Upon their formal affiliation with the tower, they fulfilled their promise by delivering some of Bathorys research materials that they had acquired. They also shared valuable information about Human-meat Chef, including details about the hierarchical pyramid structure, key figures in Galos associated with Human-meat Chef, core criminal enterprises supporting the empire, and the operations managing these businesses.

Unna had indeed possessed a considerable amount of information about Human-meat Chef, more than what Rokuri University had shared as a mere taste of their findings. In fact, it appeared to be even more extensive than that.

The materials provided by Unna highlighted the inadequacies of Rokuri Universitys handling of the situation.

Its obvious. In war, the side with the initiative wins, and Rokuri University has been dragged around before and after the fight To think its deteriorated to this extent. Sending support now would only waste the towers time, resources, and reputation. assessed Philip, the Honorary Grand Master of the Pure Magic School and the principal of the Royal Magical Officer School, holding the rank of Major General.

Originally, he would not have been permitted to intervene in the towers affairs, but given the gravity of the situation, he had taken leave and remained at the tower to provide various pieces of advice. He argued that, rather than merely supporting Rokuri University, the tower should establish its own frontlines.

The thing scarier than a strong enemy in war is a foolish ally. Pushing allies into such a tangled battlefield will only lead to bloodshed, so lets set up our own frontline instead. Philip proposed, one of the most radical suggestions to emerge from the tower.

Naturally, this radical proposition met with opposition. Concerns were raised about the excessive consumption of resources, potential conflicts with Rokuri University, and the practicality of establishing an independent frontline in a foreign land. These concerns were valid, as it was uncertain whether such an endeavor was feasible, and if it were, it posed considerable challenges.

However, Philip did not yield. Armed with victory as his weapon, he engaged in lengthy debates with those who opposed his viewpoint, eventually arriving at a conclusion.

So, we pretend to be a vanguard aiding Rokuri University while conducting our own local investigation with this personnel? Oliver asked the question while seated in the first-class cabin of a passenger ship. Kevin, Terence, and Yareli, also seated in the same cabin, nodded in unison.

Yes.

Is that the plan?

Yes.

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