<495 – The Flame of Discord>
I was just there, getting my readings from the measuring device and sucking on some candy when suddenly Professor Destroyer appeared with Myung So.
“Here you go.”
“Yeeek!!”
“Are you surprised because you know what it is?”
“It’s a skill book! And it’s a divine-class item containing the essence of the ancient god!”
Jackpot! The player was mesmerized by the divine effects that were evident just by the colors.
“What’s going on? Is it my birthday today? Am I getting a Christmas present because I’ve been a good child??”
“Heh. Yes, it’s a gift. A reconciliation present filled with a mentor’s concern for their apprentice.”
“…I put a lot of effort into this, but it seems the former hero is the one getting the credit.”
“Thank you, Myung So!”
With joy that I couldn’t contain, I ran over and gave Myung So a peck on the cheek. The wrinkles of sorrow etched on his forehead faded.
“This skill book must not be opened carelessly. It contains the essence of the ancient god, a profound book craved by all the 24 divine classes to enhance their powers.”
“I’m going to put it in my backpack!”
“That too is problematic. The Evil God Unknown, who governs [Void], could steal the profound book through the [Void] of the magic backpack.”
“Huh?!”
“In other words, while you possess this profound book, you must not place it in a magic backpack, nor in any pocket, wrapping, drawer, or anywhere that could obscure it from sight.”
Yeeek! Occasionally, expensive items can vanish from your backpack with a 0.1% chance, but a 100% guaranteed destruction event? That’s terrifying!
“What do we do then?”
“It’s best to read the profound book as soon as possible to digest the essence of the ancient god. However, if you attempt to absorb the essence without being prepared, Oknodie’s body and soul will explode and vanish without a trace.”
“Waaaaaaah! I don’t want a death event!”
“Don’t worry. Starting today, I will stay by your side for a while to teach you. Even if you experience the acquisition of the essence through the skill book, it won’t cause your body and soul to explode.”
Professor Destroyer nodded as well.
“I’ll fend off outside interference.”
“What about the Academy?”
“Don’t fret. I will cease lectures during the acquisition period, but I will post an announcement for suspensions and supplementary classes through the guild members.”
“But that counts as my attendance!”
“Use points to disappear. It’s a chance to obtain a profound book that even the gods covet; what’s so important about attendance?”
Sigh. That’s true. I had already wasted my perfect attendance at the start of the second semester, and a few more days off wouldn’t change much.
After all, I already knew everything in the lectures and exams anyway.
It’s a shame I can’t hang out with the first-years, but I can’t resist a power-up event.
If it’s a chance to acquire the divine essence of another god, I’d refuse even the illegal contracts popping up like ads on sketchy websites, but the essence of the ancient god is different.
If I can acquire the essence of the Eastern ancient god [Sakyamuni] through the skill book, I can gain divine powers without a soul to enforce any contracts.
I can freely wield that power without spam contracts filling up my screen.
“I’ll do it!”
“Then let’s start day one’s training with an understanding of the doctrines…”
“But when do we see our measurement results?”
With a disgruntled expression, Myung So handed me the diagnosis report from the readings.
However, Professor Destroyer paused, realizing the true meaning behind my question.
“Our…?”
“The Masugaki Princess came along too!”
“…I can’t believe I made such a rookie mistake. I must’ve been quite shaken by this occurrence.”
As Professor Destroyer reached out, the door of the measuring device that the Masugaki Princess entered opened on its own.
No one noticed the Masugaki Princess, who was hanging upside down from the measuring device’s ceiling, as she flipped out with a scream!.
“Did you hear that?”
“What… what are you talking about? The Masugaki Second Princess has a habit of closing her eyes and falling asleep instantly whenever her back touches the ground due to the drawbacks of elite education…”
“But you weren’t touching the ground; you were hanging!”
Puh puh!
A silly excuse from a silly princess.
If you’re going to cover up, at least do it well; how could she be rebutted within a second?
“Looks like you heard everything. All the things you shouldn’t have.”
“Please save me…”
“No need to kill the princess’s mouth to stop her.”
Myung So wrapped the princess in an embrace.
“As long as the information that Oknodie obtained the profound book doesn’t reach the ears of the Imperial Emperor, everything will be fine.”
“Secret! I’ll keep it a secret!”
“Is that so? Then it will be a secret that we must protect. A drug that destroys the mind…”
Myung So further protected the Masugaki Princess, who had gone pale.
“There’s no need for that. Just placing a seal is enough.”
“But if you visit the royal family, you’ll quickly be uncovered by sight, and the seal will be easily broken.”
“Eventually, the Demigods will soon realize that Oknodie has acquired the profound book. This child has always been a
“…That is true.”
“Do not worry, child of the Imperial Family. As long as I’m here, Professor Destroyer cannot take your life. You just need to readily accept the seal.”
The Masugaki Princess nodded vigorously.
Thus, an event began in which I acquired the profound book while the Masugaki Princess secured the seal, both of us getting a sweet deal.
*
Wahyhiemhai Foundation Headquarters.
Upper-floor air garden.
“An air garden with void stones, the main ingredient of non-fair flights, installed between buildings. The Director of the Foundation certainly has developed a rather extravagant taste.”
“Speak carefully. The Revolutionary’s dog. Any words towards the Director could bring irreversible punishment for the slightest mistake. If you’ve lived long enough to find life dull, it’s best to keep silent as much as possible.”
“How rude~?”
“…”
The Secretary Office Head was sweating profusely from guiding a special guest to the Director.
‘What a free-spirited person, this Revolutionary’s comrade.’
The renowned symbol of the Jangryeol School, a faction of the Red Magic Tower, with a sign of a bomb crossed with a rod embroidered on her cape and epaulettes, followed the Secretary Office Head with a big grin.
“There never used to be such facilities. Why suddenly build a garden? Are you playing around like a senile old man growing a vegetable garden in the backyard?”
“Well, it appeared similar.”
“Oh?”
“Through a coincidental opportunity, I’ve acquired [Seed of the World Tree] to grow in this air garden. I’m testing to see if the World Tree can grow without soil touching its roots.”
“Wow… As expected, such a crazy idea befitting the world’s most outrageous lunatic! Much respect.”
When the doors to the air garden opened, the densely packed mana created a sensation that made the garden feel cramped as it was being sucked somewhere.
In the depths of the air garden, near a center of super dense mana that looked frightening to visually approach, the Director was rolling up the sleeves of his shirt while wielding a watering can.
“Hobbies are good for a change of pace. Rather than getting bored staring at a world map in a cramped room, I find it much more enjoyable to play matches against formidable opponents.”
“Umm… Are you saying you are currently playing matches against the Emperor of the Empire?”
The Director’s smile had an air of mischief.
“What do you think?”
“Imagining is a pleasure that everyone can enjoy; think freely and savor it. As a revolutionary, that’s quite the line to say. You tend to mumble that when you don’t want to answer.”
“A revolutionary knows to have a certain taste. There’s someone interesting enough to enjoy double agent life. Are you having fun with the job, Lady Wessker?”
The Secretary Office Head hurriedly bowed while trying to hide her expression.
Akemi Wessker.
The new rising master responsible for the next generation of the Jangryeol School, and the spark of the revolution that’s teamed up with the Revolutionary Army.
The Wessker whom the Secretary Office Head knew was that kind of person.
Such a Wessker as a double agent?
I was dying to ask since when, but I managed to suppress my impulse.
At least now wasn’t the time.
“The revolutionary’s plan is indeed entertaining to watch. Much more exciting than the boring flames of the Red Magic Tower. Of course, only our Director can present the grandest flame that will burn the world.”
Gazing at the man she admired, her face turned red as she slightly cupped her cheek with one hand. The Director only chuckled, showing no sign of having any emotions towards this admiration.
“I heard you sent a specially raised dog to the field to gather information. How was it?”
“I guess it’s gotten quite heated. This is the first time you’ve asked so directly.”
Wessker snapped her fingers, creating a spark! in the air.
Beyond the flickering flames, the figures of professors and demons confronting each other in a volcanic area floated up.
Amidst the shimmering and scattering shapes like mirage, a glimpse of Oknodie delivering the final blow instead of the Destroyer briefly appeared before vanishing again.
“As you can see, the professors already knew the information. It’s impressive how the one called the Previous Hero didn’t lag behind the information network of the Destroyer. They had enough human resources to buy time using the non-mainstream factions of the Red Magic Tower. On the other hand, the demons were disappointing, barely able to dominate a single child.”
“Ha ha ha. I wonder whose daughter she is, that she boldly delivers the final blow so fearlessly.”
“Speaking of which, is that rumor true? The Chief Scholarship Student of the Foundation Dark Princess Oknodie. That her nurturing goal is to reclaim the Demon King’s seat?”
The Director waved his hand, expressing regret.
“Sadly, this generation’s Demon King is strong. Their influence has lasted for hundreds of years. The Demon King of Feast isn’t someone you can simply eye. Perhaps if you had allies to assist.”
“Who has allies that would take down someone else’s subordinate?”
“Even if they want to get close, perhaps they’re not deeply connected yet; it’s like our Tria is unable to sprout from her new nest and is throwing a fit.”
The Director’s ‘Tria’ had a vision resembling roots engulf the surrounding space, compressing and stirring it and causing distortions and dimensional rifts.
Even amidst the disastrous phenomenon that brought shock and urgency to the professors and demons, the Director was watering plants with a chuckle, while Wessker began showing signs of discomfort.
“You seem perplexed. Is it more overwhelming than when you changed your workplace?”
“What do you mean by that? If you’re doubting my loyalty, that would very hurt me.”
“Ha ha ha. Don’t worry. I don’t act out of suspicion. Stopping that sort of noise is a task I can comfortably leave to our Secretary Office Head.”
“Hahaha.”
“I still vividly remember the girl who boldly came to say she wanted to become the flame that burned the world. Sadly, the girl’s flames reached their limits, but I believe I can indeed set the world aflame with the proper way to ignite even a small flame.”
“Ha ha…?”
“Unless, of course, it’s a flame that might burn everything recklessly, leaving nothing but ashes.”
“……”
“Don’t make too big a fire on the day of the coming revolution. The day when you should shine is not there.”
“I will bear that in mind.”
“Oh right. The coordinates of the Destroyer’s Thief Guild headquarters have been pinpointed. It would be nice for Lady Wessker to proudly showcase her achievements to the Revolutionary Army on your way back.”
Grrr! As the [Root of the Soul of the World Tree] writhed in agony, Wessker turned away, her smile stiffened.
After confirming that the Secretary Office Head quietly followed her, she opened her mouth only after determining she had sufficiently distanced herself from the Director’s territory.
“Oknodie, that child is truly not the Director’s biological daughter. To leak information about attacking a facility where her dark mana addiction is being treated?”
“Lady Wessker. We haven’t known each other for long, but I can already see one bad habit you have.”
The Secretary Office Head warned.
“You’re far too curious. You’ve crossed worrisome lines that would frighten those who are merely observers.”
“If you don’t want to say it, then don’t.”
Turning away nonchalantly, the hostility she had tried to hide seeped out faintly.
“I just wanted to confirm, whether or not that child must be saved. You didn’t say anything, so I assume I can do as I please?”
A massive flame flared up, engulfing Wessker entirely.
In the place where the flame of fire dissipated, there was no trace of a person left, only the embers scattered like petals.
The Secretary Office Head inhaled slowly, measuring the heat left in the air.
Wessker is strong.
Her background is excellent.
There are many factions to utilize.
However, acting against the Director at this point is hasty; she has sparked too quickly.
This is a blade that must not be grasped.
The Secretary Office Head picked up a communication medium.
“All secretaries within the Secretary Office, immediately cease all operations and prioritize information dissemination. The recipient will be the Chief Minister of the Imperial Court, the foremost reliable ally of the Imperial Emperor. We must let them know that the Masugaki Princess is targeted by the Revolutionary and the Red Magic Tower.”
A blade not to be wielded by oneself should be thrust into others’ hands.
If it breaks during a swing, that’s even better.
Another enemy would be hurt.
But there is little time to waste.
Although his flames may not ignite as rapidly as Wessker’s, if he waits too long, he too may become rash like Wessker one day.
Fortunately, he has a promising blade.
Closer to a dagger than a longsword, yet…
A blade doesn’t necessarily need to be long to claim a life.
Oknodie is a small yet deadly dagger.
But what of that child?
Could she be a blade more useful than Wessker?
‘If only she could completely suppress the dark mana, there might be a chance. Considering this terrifying growth she’s shown in such a short period, the odds are quite favorable.’
May the Dark Princess of the Foundation grow up quickly.
The Secretary Office Head let slip another sweet yet dangerous trap designed to kill the Director today.
