49 – The Wrong Button
The next day. Today, again, I take care of Ariel and absorb magic.
[You can absorb magic. Would you like to absorb it? (Note, absorbing residual magic from another’s body without harm imposes a physical overload on the user.)]
[Remaining Magic: 28%.]
The end is not far now. At this pace… I should be able to absorb all the magic in 2 days.
“It’s amazing. Just having you around seems to make me feel better.”
“Ha ha… Really? I’m glad then… Cough..cough.”
“Go back to your room. You might end up bedridden like me. And you said you’re planning to take a leave in three days. Better rest up.”
I almost coughed up blood in front of Ariel just now. Barely swallowing the blood, I nod to Ariel’s words and leave the room.
From Noble mtl dot com
“Cough…cough.”
‘Status window.’
[Name: Venice / Age: 19 / Male / Status: Tired]
[Unique Ability (Magic Eye): Eyes that can see magic. You can see the trajectory of magic, and use it more smoothly.]
[Unique Ability (Qualities of a Dark Mage): You can use a considerable level of dark magic. A dark magic category is created.]
[Explanation: The power that denies the world. Dark magic. It is the power to negate the laws of the world and create miracles. Currently, dark magic is classified as forbidden magic, requiring caution from the user.]
[Dark Magic Categories]
[Innate Ability (Talent Perception): Can perceive the talents of others. Can instantly grasp innate abilities and potential.]
[Remaining lifespan decreases due to the corrosion of magical energy. (Remaining lifespan: 27 years, 213 days, 14 hours.)]
Analyzing the rate of lifespan reduction due to absorption of magical energy so far, situations where I won’t absorb magic due to a shortage of lifespan are unlikely to occur.
So, first, absorb all of Ariel’s magic, then find a way to thwart the plans of those dark sorcerers and extend my lifespan.
‘Of course, I won’t resort to absorbing life.’
Whether it’s a dark sorcerer or an ordinary person, if I were to absorb life, I could somehow prolong my existence.
But… is that really the right thing to do? Just to prolong my life, should I engage in the same actions as those dark sorcerers?
No, that’s not possible. If I did that, I might become just like those dark sorcerers. Let’s find another way.
I continued my steps and reached my room.
“Now… two days left, is it?”
The time available for me to extract all of Ariel’s magic.
And on the third day, I must have a plan ready to thwart the dark sorcerers as they head towards Snowfield Village.
For that, I had already informed Gaju and Ariel about taking a leave in advance. I worried they might not approve, but fortunately, they readily granted the leave.
“Hmm…”
The old man who seemed to be the center of the dark sorcerers’ gathering. His strength wasn’t a question of whether I could fight him, but whether I could survive when facing him was a formidable consideration.
Luckily, the old man had mentioned in the dark sorcerers’ gathering that he wouldn’t personally intervene in the attack on Snowfield Village.
Preparations for the attack on other villages and the scenario of the Empire’s downfall, referred to as the ‘great cause,’ needed to be pursued with full force.
The old man had passionately spoken about sending the dark sorcerers immediately under him to completely burn down Snowfield Village, a plan he persistently discussed.
Well… I’m glad. If it weren’t for that old man, I would never have been able to stop the Snowfield Village from falling with my own strength.
However, even if it wasn’t the old man, the sorcerers at the Sorcerer’s Assembly were strong enough. I can’t afford to let my guard down.
“If it’s right below… it should be the High Priest.”
At the Sorcerer’s Assembly, I learned about the existence of ranks based on the strength of sorcerers and the amount of dark magic they possess.
In order, it goes Pope, Archbishop, High Priest, Priest, and Lay Worshipper. The old man referred to himself as an “Archbishop,” so if he’s right below, he must be a High Priest-level sorcerer.
Even the lowest rank, Lay Worshipper, can easily overwhelm dozens of ordinary people.
The High Priest and Archbishop, who are incomparably higher in rank, are truly unimaginable monsters.
“Status Window, Dark Magic Category.”
[Dark Magic Category]
[Mastery Level of Dark Magic: Lv.5]
[Mana Vision (Lv:???) : The eyes of a sorcerer. Can comprehend the entire structure of dark magic and reverse engineer it.]
[Dark Sphere (Lv:5) : The most basic attack technique. Fires a spear of darkness imbued with the power to reject the world.]
[Manipulation of Dark Magic (Lv:3) : Through the manipulation of dark magic, one can conceal the deceit contained within dark magic and give the mana a different color. (However, using 1.5 times the amount of dark magic and cannot be applied to dark magic that exceeds the user’s limits.)]
[Invisibility (Lv:3) : By rejecting the world, one can make it so that observers cannot perceive their presence. (However, the rejection disappears the moment one’s appearance or aura is detected by even a single person.)]
[Shadow Lance (Lv.2) : Creates an endless number of spears of rejection from the shadows. (However, it cannot be used if shadows do not exist.)]
[Mind Reading (Lv.1) : Can read the recent memories of the target. (However, it cannot be used on a living target.)]
[??? (Insufficient Mastery Level) : ???]
[??? (Insufficient Mastery Level) : ???]
.
…
Indeed… I have grown much stronger. It seems I was able to develop to this extent by annihilating numerous black magicians and absorbing an immense amount of dark magic.
Ironically, whenever I absorbed Ariel’s magic, my lifespan decreased while my dark magic power increased.
The reduction in lifespan but simultaneous increase in strength feels like wielding a double-edged sword.
“…Now that I think about it, the black magician I met in that well said I was about the level of a high priest.”
The village I visited alone while searching for black magicians without Ariel. The black magician I saw beneath the well definitely said I was ‘about a high priest’ level.
And the black magician coming to Snowfield Village is about a high priest level. What does that mean?
“I absolutely cannot lose.”
I have an absurd counter-technique against black magicians who can reverse-engineer dark magic with their evil eyes.
If it’s a black magician significantly stronger than me, maybe someone like that old man, but if it’s someone around or slightly stronger than a high priest level.
I can surely demonstrate an overwhelming and one-sided exchange of blows.
‘But still, I must never let my guard down.’
The kind of black magicians is unpredictable in their actions.
They could take the entire village hostage or present me with an unavoidable choice.
“…Huh. Well, then, shall I go hunt some black magician scum today? Can’t afford to lose my edge.”
Judging by the time, it’s about time for everyone to go to bed. When everyone is asleep, the night crow awakens.
I should hurry to dispatch them and then ponder on the situation in Snowfield Village and think of countermeasures.
***
Time passes, and the final day arrives.
Having absorbed magic to my utmost all this while, now only about 12% of Ariel’s magic remains in her body.
Alright. Today I should be able to fully absorb all of Ariel’s magic. I drew out as much as I could yesterday, after all.
“Miss Ariel, today as well…”
“Huh, Venice? Weren’t you supposed to be on vacation?”
“….What?”
This morning, after quickly getting ready, I walked lightly towards Ariel’s room. Instead of the usually indifferent Ariel greeting me, it was the maid cleaning her room.
…Where’s Ariel? I need to absorb all her magic today.
“Ah, Miss Ariel had some urgent business and has gone to the Imperial Palace.”
“….What?!”
“The head of the household and his wife, along with Jake and Kyle, went with her. It seems like they were called by the Palace.”
The maid’s cheerful voice saying, ‘The head of the household and Miss Ariel asked me to tell you to take a break and have a good rest!’ didn’t reach me.
Now, I just walk quietly towards my room, dazed.
“….This is.”
I see a small piece of paper in the mailbox in front of my room’s door. I must have missed it earlier because it was behind my back as I left.
We had to rush to the Palace because the royal family called us. I’m supposed to start my vacation tomorrow, but I’ll just rest from today.
After resting, come to the Academy. I’ll be waiting for you.
It was Ariel’s handwriting, indifferent yet meticulous.
Why… Why did she have to go to the Palace today? There’s tomorrow… and the day after.
“Damn… Damn!”
Was the commotion this early morning because of that?
I have to head to Snowfield Village tomorrow to prepare in advance. Now, even I am running out of time…
“Going to the Imperial Palace right now is…”
Naturally, it’s impossible. Even the most distinguished nobles bow down to enter the Imperial Palace, and I, a mere commoner, won’t even be able to step into the castle.
My head is turning stark white, cold sweat is running, and my heart is pounding. At this rate… I won’t be able to save Ariel.
“No… stay calm. I need to calm down.”
After saving the village of Snowfield, I should go to Ariel and absorb the magic as soon as possible.
One day. It seems like it will only take a day. There isn’t much magic left, and Ariel has been given a little time, so it should be okay.
“First… let’s go to Snowfield Village.”
Don’t panic. I need to deal with the situation in front of me first.
Ignoring the anxiety that won’t go away no matter how hard I try, I head to Snowfield Village with my bag.
***
Throb-
“………?”
“What’s wrong, Ariel?”
“It’s nothing.”
While on her way to the Imperial Palace of the Empire in a carriage, Ariel felt a slight pain near her heart but didn’t take it seriously.
She thought she was already healed, and it wasn’t painful enough to worry about.
‘…Annoying. I just want to see Venice quickly.’
Ariel let out a small sigh and looked out the window again.
Throb..
Unaware of the existence of the worm that hasn’t disappeared and continues to gnaw at her from deep within her body.