Niobe was barely alive. It was only because the massive explosion prepared by Carisia was focused solely on the space where the Amimone Tower used to stand.
However, even though she wasn’t directly hit, she was still under the influence of an extraordinary heat. As she had stayed at the forefront of the Amimone Tower to attract the attention of the mental biological entity, Niobe couldn’t completely escape the explosion when the great magic activated.
After the fight ended, it was Orthes who unearthed Niobe, buried under the debris. This was an action based on Carisia’s advice.
“Look for her near the debris, as she was fighting against the mental biological entity until the last moment.” And a request.
“Are you okay?”
“Senpai….”
Hehe. Niobe suddenly smiled.
“The artifact was quite fiery.”
“Uh….”
It seemed Niobe regarded Carisia’s ‘magic’ as an ancient artifact prepared by Orthes. As the person who had observed Carisia up close, there was a possibility she might have noticed her true identity, but fortunately, it was an unwarranted concern.
“I was lucky. I overloaded the opponent’s space magic, causing them to self-destruct. As for how you got caught up, Niobe….”
Niobe shook her head, expressing that there was no need to apologize. Surprisingly, her trust in Orthes was deeper than expected. Orthes recalled Carisia’s request.
Instead of simply hiding the truth and using her as a collaborator, how about assigning her the role of a key player to create friendly forces within Blasphemia for Hydra Corporation? It was a dangerous gamble.
“Senpai. Was I worthy of this position?”
Orthes nodded. From the inexperienced newcomer who had fallen for Orthes’ deception to now, Niobe’s growth was remarkable.
Conversely, if such a capable person turned against them, it would be an incredible danger. Orthes struggled with this until the end but decided to trust Carisia’s judgment.
“Yes. Niobe did excellently. The decision to evacuate your subordinates first and then stay on the frontlines to buy time was highly exemplary.”
Niobe muttered softly, “That’s a relief,” and smiled shyly. Orthes waited for the right moment to continue speaking.
“But….”
“Hmm?”
“I’m not so sure if this organization is right for you.”
“Senpai?”
Niobe’s expression turned perplexed. Orthes cautiously chose his words. How much of a line should he skate to remain in a cooperative relationship? How far would Niobe’s trust extend?
“They might have ongoing doubts within Blasphemia. Why there are so many individuals being absorbed by Argyrion.”
“That’s—”
“It’s something that can’t simply be interpreted as a desire for fame or wealth. I’ve fought against Argyrion more than anyone else, and I’ve come to have a rough idea of the means they use to persuade other mages.”
This wasn’t a lie. Considering the cooperation between Nastion and the mental biological entity, it was clear that the Mage King’s influence had reached at least the subconscious of Argyrion.
It was the method of persuasion that Orthes jokingly referred to as the ‘hypnosis app.’ The truth, which revolved around the Mage King, was the only thing that could shake the thoughts of mages from their very roots.
‘It must be the origin of the Ten Towers.’
The truth that the Mage King’s best disciples betrayed him. A stigma that had been hidden for thousands of years. They would have persuaded other mages under the pretext of wanting to help the Mage King.
“What are you saying?”
“My thoughts about Argyrion remain unchanged. It is evident that they are all dangerous beings entranced by extra-dimensional forces. But our organization—”
“Senpai, beyond that—”
She becomes a traitor. Niobe was silencing Orthes with her eyes.
“There could be a secret far worse than we think.”
Niobe’s head was filled with confusion. A perplexed expression mixed with tears. Orthes threw the final wager in the gamble.
“…You can report this thought to upper management if you wish. I will do nothing. If you make a resolution, please contact Hydra Corporation.”
Orthes handed Niobe over to another member of Blasphemia. Niobe was deep in her thoughts, drowning in confusion.
*
Knemon thought.
Those damn Argyrion bastards…
If only he had taken one more step, the Amimone Tower would have been in his hands, but it vanished.
However, the plan had not failed. He himself recorded the highest score in the final selection, and it was Kine, who was registered under the Tabunig Faction, who delivered a decisive counterattack against Argyrion at the Mage Master selection.
With Kine at the helm, they repelled an officer named Nastion— a name that was given by Orthes— and recognized the strength of the Tabunig Faction, allowing Knemon to become the Mage Master of the Amimone Tower.
It was an ironic situation where all the facilities of the main tower had flown away, leaving only the faction in place.
“How unfortunate. It was because of Argyrion that things ended up like this.”
Orthes continued to comfort with a considerably gloomy voice. It was natural for Knemon to feel regret, but he could not shift the responsibility onto Orthes.
“Ha. Who would have thought? That Argyrion bastards would act so brutally as to make the tower vanish. It’s really shortsighted to think that a vengeance from the Ten Towers would follow, but it would be effective in showcasing power.”
“… Argyrion! It’s all their fault!”
It was rare to see Orthes passionately vilifying Argyrion. Knemon recalled what Lampades had said, “Orthes is using Argyrion as a smokescreen for Hydra Corporation.”
Is that so? Did Argyrion realize Orthes’ plan and show their teeth first? The situation has become complicated.
According to what he heard from Lampades, Orthes was cunningly preparing a plan to overthrow the world while cleverly deflecting the attention of the Ten Towers by using Argyrion. The configuration at that time was simple. Hydra Corporation hidden under the wrappings of Argyrion, and the confrontation with the Ten Towers.
However, due to the incident in Algoth City, Argyrion completely declared separation from Orthes.
Now the situation is a three-way battle…!
Yet, it would likely be more advantageous for Hydra Corporation. The Divine Cult, known to be on the side of Argyrion, was not a collaborator of Argyrion but rather Orthes’ personal ally.
If Orthes and Argyrion split, they would likely side with Orthes. The fact that Argyrion’s assailants tried to eliminate the cult first must also be a strategy to eliminate Orthes’ limbs, knowing this.
But thanks to Kine’s counterattack, Argyrion carries the stigma of the followers of superstition….
While it was true that the cult was on Orthes’ side, their stigma was completely transferred to Argyrion. It was a truly terrifying scheme.
When Knemon understood the situation, he nodded towards Orthes, who was still denouncing Argyrion.
“You don’t need to worry too much. If you think about it, I’ve fulfilled my first request, haven’t I?”
“Your first request? Ah.”
Knemon originally wished for the annihilation of the Amimone Tower as a reward. The current situation, where not a single brick of the tower remained, was a perfect realization of what he desired.
“At the same time, though the name remains, I did become the Mage Master. Both plans have succeeded halfway.”
Knemon felt a degree of satisfaction in the current scenario where both halves of success had intertwined. It was proof that Orthes’ plans didn’t always succeed perfectly.
Perhaps, the world might not be destroyed.
That Orthes’ plans only partially succeeded rather than fully. Instead of incinerating the entire world, only the rotten parts might be purified.
A hope that the plan of the great evil prepared would come to a proper halt. Knemon gained such hope.
Though I probably don’t have the right to think this as I’m serving that great evil.
With a wry smile, Knemon asked Orthes with a lighter heart.
“What will you do now?”
It was a fact that those with a certain level of insight could discern that Kine, who played a decisive role in Knemon being selected as the Mage Master, was not originally from the Tabunig Tower but rather a type of mercenary.
It was also true that the one providing those mercenaries was Hydra Corporation, the supporter of the Tabunig Faction. Already, Carisia had been bombarded with inquiries about the ‘mercenary’ she offered.
What was particularly valued was her ability to deal with Argyrion. Because of this, Panoptes, and even the Ten Towers behind them, had begun to show interest in Kine.
“For now, we all plan to return to Etna City. The situation has changed in many ways, so there’s a lot to prepare for.”
Well, considering the tool I trusted betrayed me, it makes sense.
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