Chapter: 89
Bennett had changed his perception of the wizard several times.
When he discovered the circumstances surrounding the hidden Demonic Sword in the Academy, he viewed him as a villain with sinister intentions, plotting schemes.
When he faced him in the classroom, he saw him as a lunatic whose mind had been unravelled by magical research.
When he lured the group into another world, he regarded him as a spider-like man, willing to stop at nothing to achieve his aims.
After experiencing all of this…
He learned only that the wizard was silently striving to save the world, yet many aspects remained shrouded in mystery. He gave off an aura as deep as the abyss.
Who was he? What caused his demeanor? What were his true purposes?
Even when he tilted his head to peer deeper, he could only see his own reflection in the rippling surface. Despite squinting hard to glimpse beyond… all he could find in the pitch-black depths was darkness.
Thus, Bennett was taking a gamble.
Revealing that he was a Black Wizard. Bennett could have disclosed this first to his mentor, Alexon, with whom he maintained a good relationship. In some ways, that would have been a much cleaner approach.
However, he deliberately chose to bring it up with the crazy wizard, driven by the suspicion that he had a strong connection to the Second Prince. If only he could persuade him, he’d have a formidable ally backing him up. Bennett’s rational mind spoke this truth.
Yet his heart had a different reason for the same choice.
What Bennett desired was a happy ending without any sacrifices. Yet, through ordinary means, either his sister or one of his two friends would have to pay that price.
One wouldn’t just eliminate the powerful Black Wizard known as the “Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear” simply for the sake of a single traitorous Black Wizard. Thinking they could separate her psychic entity alone and save Bennett’s sister was pure unrealistic optimism.
However… if it was this man, whose true motives were unknown…
Perhaps… he could solve everything in a way Bennett never imagined. That was the vague intuition he had.
Knock, knock, knock.
Three heavy knocks resonated. Bennett announced himself outside the professor’s lab.
“Bennett Helton. I’m coming in.”
“I was waiting. Come in.”
Creak…
As Bennett opened the door, a loud, annoying noise erupted from the hinges. If he were a competent wizard, with plenty of gold at his disposal, why wouldn’t he replace those hinges with new ones?
Noticing Bennett’s gaze toward the hinges, the wizard spoke before he could ask.
“Ah, I made them rusty and stiff on purpose. It’s a cost-effective security measure. If someone tries to sneak in, it will make noise.”
“…You don’t have magical security measures?”
“Of course, I do that too. It’s a double act. People usually think there’ll be either magic or physical traps but not both… People more often fall for obvious primitive traps. They’d never think a wizard would rely on rusty hinges after all.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
A clever trap layout to exploit gaps in awareness. Bennett carefully scanned the interior of the lab, noting that despite belonging to a quirky wizard, it was remarkably organized and tidy.
The layout resembled that of an office workspace.
The only odd thing was the complete absence of books and bookshelves. Normally, one would expect at least a few pieces of furniture, but none were visible. Instead, several flower pots sat on display.
“Please, have a seat. Is coffee fine for you?”
“…Sure.”
Bennett sat down on a sofa placed around a square table. The wizard poured merely plain water into a cup and set it on the table. It was unmistakably just water in both smell and appearance.
“…Didn’t you mention coffee?”
The wizard snapped his fingers.
“Now it’s coffee.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
The liquid that was plain water transformed into dark, fragrant coffee. Whether it was illusion magic turning water into coffee or coffee disguised as water remained a mystery.
The wizard crossed his legs, sitting across from Bennett. His face was nearly expressionless, but his tone rang friendly and playful.
“You mentioned you wanted to say something? If it’s romantic advice, I’m more than open to it.”
“Of all people, I’d least want advice from you. If I had romantic troubles, I’d rather grab a random passerby and ask.”
“Ha… I’m a romance veteran if you didn’t know.”
“Yeah, right.”
Bennett took a sip of the coffee. It had a bland taste, like plain water. From that, he understood the wizard’s intentions.
Bennett couldn’t differentiate between coffee and plain water. Whether it was coffee or water was merely a whim of the illusionist. He… indirectly reflected his confidence in his capabilities.
It was as if to say that altering someone’s perception of black and white was that simple for him.
By implying this at this moment, it also meant… ‘I already know your true identity.’
Looking back, he’d said as much since their first meeting.
“Do you truly believe that your convictions… are the right answer?” When he questioned whether Bennett would continue walking the path of a Black Wizard. Back then, Bennett couldn’t grasp the meaning. The wizard had known from the start.
Whether he had read it in a dream or had acquired information through other means was unclear. But recognizing Bennett as a Black Wizard and accepting him was a positive sign.
Bennett, just to double-check, boldly asked.
“Did you know?”
“What are you referring to?”
“About me being a Black Wizard.”
“…Ah, of course. I figured it out a tad quicker than you might think.”
It was most likely this man who appropriated the magic circle set up for summoning the “Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear.” If he were orchestrating a grand scheme to save both worlds… then bargaining or negotiating held no significance.
A considerable gap existed between the wizard, who already possessed all knowledge, and Bennett.
Bennett abandoned his naive plan to request assistance in exchange for information. He let out a hollow chuckle. This wizard had completely overpowered him with sophisticated metaphorical pressure in barely five minutes.
Yet he dropped a subtle lifeline with that coffee. Essentially implying, “If you cooperate willingly, I can smooth over your blunders like this coffee.” Which implicitly meant he had to lay everything bare.
“I will divulge everything I know.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Bennett shared all the information he had gathered during his time with the Black Wizards. The disturbances at the Academy. The resurrected “Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear” and her plans. The locations of the Black Wizard bases he was aware of. And…
“There’s also a branch of Black Wizards nearby. They only relay orders through magical communications to conceal their positions, but I managed to trace them back. That’s about all I know.”
Once Bennett finished speaking, the wizard who had been listening intently tilted his head. And with ominous red eyes, he sent Bennett a gaze that seemed to probe into the very depths of his spirit.
“…Mmm. I appreciate you trusting me, but why did you come to seek me out? Aren’t you close to the Saintess? She could assist you.”
“Tara has high authority, but her power isn’t as strong. To protect me, she’d have to sacrifice her own standing. I don’t want that.”
“I see…”
The wizard clapped his hands in a cheerful manner.
“Well then, let’s proceed this way. You are a double agent dispatched secretly by the Saintess and, through our cooperation with the Second Prince and the Imperial Defense Bureau, you conducted an infiltration operation. You’ve successfully gathered numerous pieces of information, and as of today, consider your operation concluded.”
“Retirement, is it?”
“Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting you leave the Academy and take up farming somewhere. Since you’ve been a spy for the Saintess, it means you should return to her side. After all, you need to graduate from the Academy, don’t you?”
“…Understood.”
The wizard raised the corners of his mouth, seemingly pleased. Then he brought out a rough necklace from his pocket and placed it on the table. The necklace comprised a string and an old cogwheel.
Bennett felt a strong sense of déjà vu from the familiar shape of the necklace.
“Bennett, I mentioned that I had something to tell you… this is it.”
“What is this?”
“It’s a gift from Abraham.”
With the wizard’s words, Bennett was able to comprehend. This cogwheel was… part of Abraham, who had been trapped within a golem’s body in the dungeon. Bennett clenched his fist and glared at the wizard.
“…What’s your intention?”
“I don’t know the specifics either. I don’t know why this necklace ended up in this form. I just received it. From the Goddess.”
Seeing Bennett’s fierce expression, the wizard hurriedly waved his hands, asserting his innocence. In truth, the Crazy Wizard honestly knew nothing. It was an item that the Purple Magic Tower Master had passed along to the trio.
“The Goddess of this Otherworld filled the void left by the retreated Evil God and prepared this gift with all the power that had gathered. She wanted me to convey that Abraham’s soul was taken care of, so you don’t need to worry.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
The tension in Bennett’s fist relaxed. It seemed Abraham had been rescued by the Goddess. A wave of deep relief washed over him, followed by an urgent need to share this news with Tara and Niolle.
“And this carries Abraham’s message. Bennett.”
“…I’m listening.”
“Thank you for fulfilling my request. And for rescuing this old man’s homeland, my world. I watched you all fight from above. You shone so brightly that even these old eyes could see you distinctly. Each of you was like a star.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
“The Goddess granted my wish to leave a letter for you. I’ve lived half my life as an atheist, but had I known this would occur, I might have embraced a faith during my life. I’ll never worship that ghastly bubbling mass, even in death!”
It was the wizard’s mouth producing the sound, but Bennett could distinctly hear Abraham’s voice within those words. He could even faintly imagine the expressions the old man must have had while speaking.
“I digress. My journey ends here, but ahead lies a long and treacherous road for you. Never forget, even if the path seems painful, happiness is always nearby. I shall pray for you. From Abraham, to my dear Tara, Bennett, and Niolle.”
Abraham’s letter concluded this way. Bennett was left with a bittersweet aftertaste, not unpleasant, lingering in his mouth. Much like the taste of coffee.
“…Hearing this, Tara will likely cry.”
“Tears of joy, wouldn’t you say? And I also have a personal… gift from my side. This is for you, Bennett.”
The wizard handed him a ticket.
Bennett observed the shabby ticket and couldn’t help but voice his candid thoughts.
“…What’s this ticket that appears like a child crafted it?”
“Our Tower Master isn’t exceptionally handy, you see. But despite its looks, it’s the real deal.”
“Real deal?”
“She mentioned she’d help. Your sister needs saving, doesn’t she? In that area, she’s at the pinnacle, so she’ll be a tremendous aid. Be sure to use it wisely.”
“…So you knew about that too.”
Rumor had it that the Purple Magic Tower Master had attained Sublimation, a level beyond reach for the ordinary. Having learned how much power Sublimation entailed, Bennett could somewhat grasp its significance.
Compared to other Magic Towers, the Purple Magic Tower wasn’t held in high esteem, so perhaps the Tower Master might not measure up to others’ prowess.
Yet, as rescuing his sister involved mind-affecting magic, the wizard’s words about the optimal choice made perfect sense. Bennett’s heartbeat quickened.
As he examined the seemingly hastily made ticket, he realized it wielded a level of magic he could barely fathom. While he couldn’t identify all its functions, he at least knew it wouldn’t crumple or tear when wet.
This ticket had a high likelihood of being legit.
Bennett traced his finger across the surface, absorbing its information. The enchantment infused within the ticket conveyed details naturally.
Should the ticket be torn, location information would ping the Purple Magic Tower Master instantly for summoning. If he used it before the “Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear”…
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Maybe, just maybe, he might actually succeed in rescuing her. He could potentially reclaim his long-lost sister and once more share morning greetings. This was nothing less than the most assured opportunity he’d ever had.
This wasn’t merely a hope to fool himself but, truly… a clear and present opportunity.
His hands trembled. Worried he might accidentally damage the ticket, Bennett gingerly lifted it and tucked it safely into his pocket.
Once the elation and emotion passed, anxiety began to rise.
He had received far too much, after all.
“…I only provided a handful of information. I don’t think this… entitles a Tower Master to assist me. Why? Why go to such lengths to help?”
“You speak strangely. Isn’t it natural for a professor to assist their student… or would that just make you think I’m trying to scheme against you? You didn’t believe that, did you?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
“It’s simply a matter of fair trade, Bennett. Have you forgotten what you’ve done? It hasn’t been many days, after all.”
The wizard opened his arms wide, chuckling.
“You saved the world, Hero.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Bennett lowered his gaze. The desperate struggle of a boy who lost his sister on a frigid winter’s day—at this very moment, it finally took on meaning.
Hope sang.
Now, all that remained for him was to move forward.
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