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Return of The 8th Class Mage (Web Novel) - Chapter 151 The Prelude to Counterattack (2)
Chapter 151 The Prelude to Counterattack (2)
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Of course, each key would fit different keyholes.
‘Alchemy would affect Fran and the artisans’ immortality.’
When taking into consideration the inner world and the elixir Fran Page had created to go back thousands of years or the treasure trove of memories, Fran and the artisans heavily depended on the alchemy to maintain their immortal state.
‘The immortal troops of the Eastern Plains are similar to the ordinary undead. Black magic has to be a factor since only their capability to stay alive was reinforced.’
Ian was sure that the power of language was insufficient to create a herd of undead like the immortal troops out east. While it looked like omnipotent power that could do anything, there were definite limits, at least to the extent Ian knew.
‘Of course, using black magic alone can only revive someone like a zombie, and if the corpse is harmed, it is impossible.’
Black magic passed from generation to generation of sparse black magicians are represented by ‘illusions’ that create hallucinations and ‘necromancy’ that calls on the dead as the undead or bring out spirits. While Ian had researched black magic in his previous life, he had given it up immediately due to a lack of interest.
‘However.’
Black magic allowed incomplete and unstable revival, and if it could wield absolute immortality, the world would have changed into a playground for black magicians and their servants.
‘Things change if he used the power of language for black magic since a much more powerful spell could have been made, like when I created a ninth class spell with magic and the power of language.’
Fran Page had learned magic almost instantly, and it would not have been difficult for the genius and, therefore, a probable supposition.
‘Of course, aside from Fran Page there are other geniuses.’
While Fran Page was definitely a formidable genius, Ian was not to be underestimated. Ian had learned the power of language as Fran had and mastered magic in ten days. In the end, Ian had won against Fran thousands of years ago.
‘If he had achieved immortality through the power of language and black magic, I need to do the same and take it apart.’
Ian needed to create the power that made the natives and monsters of the Eastern Plains into undead servants without willpower and help humanity to resist it by themselves by finding the power’s weakness and countermeasures.
‘I can do this.’
Ian was not a sage. He was not a leader nor could become a protector of humanity. However, he had always been proud of one thing.
‘I can do magic.’
Ian would not let anyone or any being defeat him in magic and could state this as a fact. Ian was a magician that represented his era, and how can he be used as a puppet by an old crony who should have died thousands of years ago?
‘I need to move since there’s so little time.’
Ian thought of a few plans and a checklist and moved immediately. He first went to Ledio and Douglas’s alchemy lab.
“Ian?”
Douglas was nowhere to be seen, and Ledio was conducting a seemingly experiment in safety gear.
“Where is Douglas?”
<We have an uninvited visitor. Please do not stop talking, and we’ll speak of important things through writing.>
Ian proceeded to converse in the same way he had done with the fairy queen, using the stone heart potion, speech that confused the surveillance, and writing.
“I sent him on an errand to pick some herbs I needed. What do you need him for?”
<Who is this uninvited visitor?>
Ledio was quick on his wits and responded as Ian asked, and continued to talk and write repeatedly.
<I’ll explain in detail later. I need some questions answered first. Is there any means to hide my presence, voice, biometric response, and my magic flow in the way we’re using the stone heart potion to control physical reactions right now?>
Ian could achieve many things in a short span if he could hide all four issues, and he tried to find a breakthrough from his surroundings. His first bet was the alchemist Ledio and Douglas.
<I request a summarized explanation of why you need to hide those four issues. I think I can make a guess.>
Ledio asked in writing while speaking of Douglas and Ledio’s new elixir product.
<I’m being watched by an enemy at my level or higher and need to find a way to be freed as quickly as possible. Is there a way?>
Ledio lifted his pen at Ian’s response and opened a thick book from the table. It was a family treasure handed down in Ledio’s family, the book of alchemy that contained massive troves of information including the Landeor flower and the five breaths of the red dragon.
<A way to hide all four issues. The stone heart potion can be used to control biometric responses, and you just don’t have to speak to disguise your voice. However, to hide having used magic and erase your presence while moving…>
Ledio quickly went through the book but could not find the means Ian wanted since the book was mainly concerned about herbs and elixirs.
<While I cannot give you an answer, I’ll try to find a way with Douglas if you give us more time.>
Ledio looked apologetic in being unable to give Ian the answer he desired. He had wanted to pay back the times Ian had helped him and was bitter about having reached his limit.
<No, I’ll find another way. I want to make another request for you and Douglas. Would it be all right?>
<Of course, say the word.>
<The first is a request for an elixir that will let me enter the ‘inner world’ inside one’s mind.>
<The inner world?>
Ian placed the book on mana breathing he had brought on the table. Since mana breathing’s ultimate goal was to enter the inner world, he had prepared the book in hopes it might help speed up the relevant research.
<While this is an abstract expression, us magicians are certain that a place like the inner world exists. Since I had recently taken the elixir, it will exist in some form. However, I just could not establish the name, its ingredients, or whether it was a simple hallucination draught that took people into dreams. I do not have much to help you.>
<So, you’re asking me to look into this elixir you took recently that took you to the inner world.>
<I know this is something unrealistic, but I’m asking you to help. I’m betting on your experience and Douglas’s genius.>
Ledio nodded at Ian’s writing. He had never expected to hear the words ‘inner world,’ but Ian Page was not a person who would spout nonsense.
<I’ll immediately get started after Douglas comes back.>
<Thank you, and…>
Ian had more requests, and this time it was more specific and realistic.
<A war will start soon.>
<What do you mean by war?>
<It’s not between people, but resistance to escape from the clutches of a madman who is thousands of years old.>
Ian stopped writing and took the insignia that symbolized his authorization as the lord of the tower from his sleeves.
<Please start mass production of alchemical warfare supplies. You’ll be authorized to move all alchemists and alchemy facilities within the country, including the imperial institutions. I’ll take care of getting the imperial family’s approval and the necessary funds.>
The moment Ian knew the way to defeat the immortal troops of the Eastern Plains, he was going to leave humanity to fight against them. Since Ian had drawn the basic picture, he only needed to find a way to solve the problem.
<While I have a lot to ask, there seems to be no time. I’ll follow your orders, and things are going to be hectic.>
Ledio was human and could not help but be suspicious of Ian’s sudden tale and requests. However, Ian Page, his and Douglas’s greatest savior and supporter, was the one asking for his help. While blind faith can go sour, Ian Page might warrant such a devout belief.
“Where is Douglas? He is late. He seemed to be testing another strange potion that would supplement muscles during training or something like that. It’s a nuisance when Douglas picks the strangest things to make. An alchemist should dream of creating a cure-all or a way to convert stones to gold. I worry over that kid.”
Their conversations held both on paper and in speech were now nearing an end.
“Aren’t you thinking of marrying?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Please tell me in advance if you have plans so that I can make the preparations.”
“Why would you need to prepare when I’m the one marrying?”
“The elder should…”
“Yes?”
“It’s nothing.”
Ian went next to the artisans’ lair and met the tailor Bertholdo to ask how to erase traces of magic and his presence. Ian explained why they had to have a written conversation, and only excluded Fran’s name just in case.
<I don’t know how to erase traces of magic, but your presence won’t be a problem.>
While Ledio had been unable to give him an answer, Ian received a much more positive response here.
<Wait a moment.>
Tailor Bertholdo went into the dressing room, which was basically a treasure box filled with his masterpieces. Supplying the robes, capes, and gloves in that room to the magicians of the ivory tower would increase the empire’s national defense powers by a wide margin.
Bertholdo took a cape out of the various artifacts with a swishing sound and shook it like a piece of laundry at a creek. While it was a priceless treasure, Bertholdo treated it like a dusty rag.
<Take this.>
While blue had ben Bertholdo’s favorite color, this cape was black like it had been dyed in squid ink. It did not even brighten under a light, which made it look like a sliver of the night sky.
<A man I think who called himself the King of the Night Sky, who was a known thief, had requested this item. While it’s my rule not to help evildoers, he had used the valuables he stole to help those in need. I liked him enough to give this as a present, but right before I could give this to him, the man was caught and executed.>
The artifact had a story, and Ian draped it on his back. It was long enough to cover him from head to ankle, but Ian could not feel its weight.
‘This is amazing…!’
Ian was astonished after taking a few steps since he could not hear any sound coming from him. It was the same when he ran or drummed his feet. The artifact was perfect.
<Thank you, and I’ll grant you escape from immortality which you desire. I found some hints.>
<Is that true?>
<While the clues are minute, I’ll do my best. Please wait for a little longer.>
Ian had gotten results, and he came out after thanking Bertholdo. He could keep silent, use Bertholdo’s cape for erasing his presence, and drink the potion to control his biometric movements. The last issue was eradicating the traces of magic after use.
‘I should find the other artisans.’
That was the only way, and who would be able to erase the magic traces or at least come near the mark?
It was that moment the sound of gloomy trumpets rang Ian’s ears, and darkness gathered around him. It was a ‘boundary’ of darkness as black as the cape Ian had received from Bertholdo.
‘Fran?’ Ian had thought of him for a moment but shook his head because he could sense that it was not his father.
‘This is…’
The owner of the darkness was revealed when Ian’s wariness reached his maximum point. The dragon was enormous and had black skin and scales. While Ian had seen this dragon for the first time, he could easily guess its identity.
‘Atar Haka, the black dragon.’
The black dragon ‘Atar Haka’ had been sent by Reseesee Radenju as Ian’s observer. The dragon named ‘Black Flames’ revealed its presence.
[You do not have to worry. Fran Page will not be able to sense us here, and you, Ian Page, can speak freely.]
Atar Haka’s voice was different from Reseesee Redenju, and it was much deeper and darker like a voice that rose from a deep cave.
“Well, you haven’t been able to see through the magic I had left in your area for you to be that confident.”
[f you’re talking about that dust with eyes, I had known from the beginning. I just had not made a report to our leader.]
The dust watch had been a surveillance item Ian left behind. The black dragon had known about it, and why had he kept silent? Ian asked with rising suspicion.
“Do you mean to say you deceived your leader?”
[You can say it happened that way.]
“What’s the reason?”
The situation could be considered a betrayal, and a simple answer followed Ian’s curt question.
