The 31st Piece Overturns the Game Board

Chapter 155

Seols conversation with Frannan became rather long.

Through their conversation, Seol had learned more details.

So youre saying that the search party will likely be crossing kingdom lines?

Yeah, it probably will. Is this your first time crossing borders?

Yes, Ive been in Nevenia since I was transferred to this world.

Hmm Well, that makes sense. Ive heard that most transferees dont stray too far from where they were initially placed.

As Seol was forced to take on this Adventure, he had to extract as much information as possible.

Then the current Tower Master of Libra

Master Bornuil. Youve at least heard of his name before, right?

"Wouldn't it be strange if I, a transferee, knew the names of all 12 of Zodiac's Tower Masters?"

"A sound argument. To be honest, I don't remember them either. It's not like most Tower Masters hold that position for long anyway."

- Isnt that a huge problem?

- Whats the name of your companys CEO?

- Uh Kim something Kim

Why not?

"Heavy workload, old age, research, and a variety of other reasons. Tower Masters hold a lot of responsibility, and it isn't easy."

Hm

Is it because you dont want to cross borders? Do you have a base here?

Not necessarily, responded Seol while scratching his chin.

Seol was simply worried about where he'd be headed after crossing the border and if he could still grow at the same pace he had grown here.

But I am curious about why we have to cross the border.

"Well, we're discussing the search party at the Libra Tower, right? The Libra Tower isn't in Nevenia."

"Right."

"Furthermore, it's because of where Bornuil headed last before his disappearance. Do you know about Alcatron?"

It was Seol's first time hearing about Alcatron.

No, I havent. What is it?

"It is a recently discovered ruin. However, as it was being unearthed, a mysterious energy flowed out, halting progress."

Hm

"Well, as always, it could just be the monsters in the ruins. However, no one is taking this matter lightly. The Libra Tower Master isn't weak enough to go missing without notice for no reason, after all.

"Which in turn means that there must have been a justifiable reason why he disappeared without contact."

Frannan nodded.

"Precisely. And another thing is worrying me. Our journey to the Libra Tower will be rather easy, but the path to Alcatron... might be a bit troublesome."

...Ah!

Have you realized why?

Its because of the monster areas, right?

"Yeah, there are also territories belonging to the other races mixed in, but... I doubt they'd clear a path for us so easily."

Cant we just go around it, through the other nations?

"Unfortunately, that would make it meaningless. Time is sensitive, and that would take too long."

The hostile other races and monsters

Passing through their territories was a risk in and of itself.

This might be a much more dangerous Adventure than I had initially thought.

Though Seol was confident in his ability to keep himself safe, there was a nagging feeling in the back of his head.

Since I cant refuse him I should just prepare more.

As Seol pondered, he glimpsed at Frannan. Frannan was definitely behaving strangely compared to before.

Frannan continued to break out in cold sweats, as if there was an issue with his decision to return to the magic tower.

Seeing the normally boisterous Frannan like this, Seol grew curious about his past.

Is there a problem?

Problem? Haha! What problem? Theres no problem

Its fine if you really are, but you seem nervous.

......

"Had there been an issue back when you were an Aspect Magician?"

What do you mean were?

What?

When did I ever say I was one? Im still an Aspect Magician. I havent given up my position yet. Im just Im just taking a break.

Didnt you give up your position?

Frannan, with longing eyes, looked elsewhere.

Well if you want to be more precise, I wanted to give up on being a magician altogether.

* * *

Two individuals, a man and a woman, both adorned in uniforms with gleaming shoulder pieces, conversed over a meal.

Only by understanding the significance of their epaulets could one truly grasp the importance of these two figures.

The two sharing the meal were Frannan and Yurin, Aspect Magicians of the Libra Tower.

However, now, they were old enough to be seen as their later years.

Yurin took a bite of the meat as she spoke to Frannan.

"You damned headache, magic isnt meant to be kept to yourself. When you use spells that others cant theoretically comprehend, its no different from using a spell to intentionally fool them."

Well, thats the kind of magician Im trying to be.

Asshole.

What now

You should be trying to pass on what youve learned to the future. Do you know how much Bornuil is badgering me?

Why is he annoying you this time?

"Hes using me to persuade you into taking disciples."

I told him I didnt want to do that before, that old

"You, me, him, were all damn old, who cares! Argh, the only thing you care about is making yourself look cool. You never gave a rats ass about doing something for the tower. I still have no idea why Veil accepted a bastard like you when it only ended up causing him more stress."

Hah

Frannan was a master of enchantment.

And Yurin, who was sitting in front of Frannan, was a master of mind spells.

Frannan paused for a moment before lightening the mood with a different topic.

Are you not going to brag about your amazing pupil today? asked Frannan.

Do you want me to?

"Nope, never. You've been bragging about every little thing recently. I was starting to think you would brag about how she was potty trained or something now."

"If I start bragging about her, are you going to listen?"

"Has this old witch lost her mind?!"

Hold on, unlike you, Ive been taking care of myself. I still have the allure of a mature woman, alright?

Wow, it must be so amazing

Frannan couldnt hold back his laughter. He never could whenever he talked with her.

Most magicians lived very lonely lives. In the pursuit of knowledge, they had to stand alone as they traveled down their own individual paths.

However, they also often felt relief when they saw magicians of similar levels also struggle to raise their fields.

It was a reassurancea reminder that they weren't alone.

Yurin had a 17-year-old disciple named Ebony.

Though Frannan didnt understand why Yurin had accepted Ebony as her disciple, Yurin clearly seemed to enjoy it, which Frannan didnt like.

"What are you going to do by taking in such a talentless pupil"

Though his words were harsh, it was a truth that Yurin also accepted.

She may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but shes a good kid.

Why are you repeating yourself? We all know a good kid is just another way to call them stupid.

Isnt that better, though? Even magicians arent fully decided on whether character or skills matter more.

Isnt it obvious? Its skills.

Its character. How did you become like that when you studied under Veil?

But I never would have ended up casually having pointless conversations with you unless I caught up with you through my skills, no?

Urgh Its frustrating, but youre not wrong either. You were damned stubborn

Also, I havent changed. Ive just realized the truth. Raising the future generation? Why would I when I still dont have enough time to do my own research?

Yurin wiped her mouth before continuing.

"I guarantee you, no one, except for the first ever magician, learned magic on their own from the start. Humans may be weak, but we are a race that accumulates knowledge. That is how weve continued to advance magic further.

Thats why Ill go as far as I can before recording it all for the future generation.

"Leaving records and teaching are different. Theres no compassion in leaving behind research. You would never be able to help someone whos faltering with research. Right now, all youre doing is building a wall the future generation cant break down."

The two had frequently clashed over these issues. Indeed, Frannan's reluctance to accept disciples was a source of frustration for the Libra Tower as well.

Frannan, carefully, revealed his true thoughts to her.

I just dont think Im someone who could do that. I am not a great magician.

...We arent thinking of the future because we are great magicians

Yurin looked kindly at Frannan. Her gaze was warm like the sun.

...Its because we are magicians.

Still, Ebony was a bit much.

You asshole I told you, shes a good kid.

I should have stopped her. I should have intervened more until she gave up. A worthless disciple like that, Yurin is just a hindrance to you.

Those were the words that Frannan repeats to himself to this day.

Frannan then recalled the events of the last day he saw Yurin.

Yurin! H-Have you lost your mind?! No! Dont do it! shouted Frannan.

Hum

Get back, Yurin! Its too late for Ebony! We cant save her!

No, I can save her! Im an Aspect Magician

Her manas running wild! Damn it, I told you! Shes too far gone! It doesnt matter if youre an Aspect Magician right now, just let her die on her own!

How could I

Ebonys research had failed.

Lacking the talent to succeed at a young age, she had only made countless mistakes.

And as a result of her mistakes, her mana had ended up running wild in her body.

The wild mana would likely lead Ebony to losing her mind, turning her into a fool.

However, in that moment, her master stepped forth in her place. Frannan instinctively knew what Yurin was attempting to do. She was trying to shoulder Ebonys burden instead.

Shes my disciple, Frannan, said Yurin.

But you you

Frannan, if something happens, and I fail

She then made a request to Frannan. A request that Frannan could never forget.

No! Im not going to do that!

Stop making such a fuss. Well I leave it to you.

Yurin! Why Why are you doing this

Yurin gave a big smile, flashing her teeth.

Its because Im a magician.

Craaaaaaaackle

Lightning crackled as the storm of mind spells swept through the research room.

The incident ended as swiftly as it began, leaving behind a sad story for those of the Libra Tower.

And like that, Frannan left the magic tower.

* * *

Is it because of that? asked Seol with a blank expression after hearing Frannans story.

Frannan took a sip of alcohol.

Yeah, I still have nightmares about that day, answered Frannan. I havent moved on since that day.

...I see.

"My apologies for bringing up something so grim. Anyway, once we're done getting ready, we'll leave right away. Just a reminder."

Understood.

Stand

After Seol left, Frannan remained alone in the room.

Crack!

He tossed the glass cup in his hands, memories of Yurin after the incident flooding back.

- Who are you, mister?

- Do you not remember me?

- Nope, its my first time meeting you!

- When did you arrive here?

- Just yesterday! I officially became a magician yesterday!

-

- Mister?

- How admirable.

Though Yurins old body was unharmed, her mind had regressed to that of a 7-year-old girl's.

- Are you some great person here, mister?

- Im not.

There was no way he couldnt break down after seeing his friend, an old woman, speak like a child.

I dont want to go back

Ever since that day, Frannan's only wish was to be able to run away forever.

* * *

Then Ill see you next time, hyung! said Gyeongtaek.

Yeah, sorry we couldnt talk for long, answered Seol.

Its alright, youre busy. Will you come back to Nevenia at least?

I dont know, well have to see.

Somi noonas going to get upset at me if you dont give her a definite answer, so make sure to give her a clear answer, please.

Alright.

Gyeongtaek let out a long sigh of relief.

Though Seol managed to meet Gyeontaek while he was in Timbrian, their time together was cut short by the pressing need for further preparations.

Phew thats a relief.

Have you finished your business well?

I did. Oh, the noble also wanted to thank you as well.

Thank me?

Well I kind of mentioned how I was helped by you I shouldnt have said anything, right?

Well its your choice.

Gyeongtaek smiled upon hearing Seols response, relieved that Seol didnt dislike it as he had feared.

Exactly! Were like brothers, and its natural for younger brothers to brag about their older brothers, right?

I guess?

"Obviously! You have no idea how hard it was to hold myself back from saying that I knew you when people were talking about The Hero of the Clock Tower or The Herald of Tolling Bells."

......

After hearing Gyeongtaek, Agony interrupted.

[Is that so? So you dont enjoy being called that huh? Okay Then Ill make sure to call you that the next time were around people! Kekeke I knew it, Im evil!]

- How did he instantly know what Snowman disliked? LMFAO

- It really is a demonic spirit, huh

- It might just be faking being tamed.

Seol shot Agony a glare, causing it to shut its mouth.

Regardless, see you next time.

Of course, hyung. Stay safe and take care. Make sure to message us! Somi noona first too, before me!

Seol laughed as he nodded and waved.

Click

A flamboyant carriage opened its door behind Seol, revealing Frannan.

Get in, were going, said Frannan, his body half-sticking out of the door.

Yeah.

Seol stepped into the carriage.

And when he did he saw someone he didnt expect to see.

...Chameli?

Uh So I-Its nice to see you again?

Why are you here?

Frannan answered in her stead.

"Zodiac sent a request to the Black Pilgrims. It wont just be the Nevenian Parish coming to help either. There will probably be more."

Is this that big of an incident?

Well it is, but it also isnt. Regardless, it will probably be quite large-scale.

To think that Zodiac dragged in the Black Pilgrims who had nothing to do with this Seol thought once more about this Adventure, contemplating the number of people who would be involved.

Hm?

...Oh?

There were more people in the carriage. Two individuals, whom Seol didnt recognize, were sitting with them, but for some reason... they felt familiar.

Havent we met before? asked Seol while scratching his head.

The two individuals were a man and a young woman.

Though Seol couldnt recall the woman, he definitely remembered seeing the man before.

Its been a while, Snowman. Its me.

Ah, so we have. So

The man glanced at Seols belt.

Seol immediately recalled it, though the man looked quite different from before.

Ah! Back then, you

He was a man who, despite his cold expression, offered warm advice for Seols future.

In fact, he was also the one who gifted Seol with the invitation to the magic tower, which now resides in Seols inventory.

Blaine?