Chapter: 313
A massive performance that tore the sky apart. The only saving grace was that the scar left in the sky could erase itself quickly.
The mark left by Kagan fades with time, so mine should be even less of a big deal. If the scars were permanent, the northern sky would have turned into a demonic realm by now. No matter how much humans influence nature, nature knows how to heal itself.
Moreover, among the audience watching the sky-cutting performance was none other than the Duke of Magic. No matter how you cut it, it was a technique using mana, and if mana is involved, it falls within the Duke’s realm of control. Thanks to that, the scar that would have naturally faded was sealed even faster. I’m really glad the Duke of Magic was at the academy.
“The mark itself disappeared in just five minutes. Surprisingly, not many people saw it—”
“Stop.”
At the Emperor’s firm command, I shut my mouth. As always, the teleporting mage was kind enough to bring me here, and as soon as I arrived in front of the Emperor’s office, the guards opened the door. After making a brief entrance, the Emperor pinched his brow, glaring daggers at me.
So, I immediately bowed my head and started making excuses. Even if my punishment cooldown has reset, I shouldn’t tempt fate—getting hit with a contempt charge and having to deal with probation would be a disaster I’d rather avoid.
“Inspector, I know time isn’t the important factor here.”
Yet, after stating he wouldn’t accept my excuses, I instinctively lowered my gaze.
Honestly, he had a point. The sky has already torn apart, so what does it matter if it happened five seconds or five minutes ago? Whether the blade stuck in the heart for five seconds or five minutes, it’s all the same at that point.
The Emperor, having silenced me, fell momentarily quiet and then continued with a sigh.
“At least there are no major towns close to the academy, which limited the chaos. In the areas where the mark was observed, all they noticed was some black something; no one thought the sky was torn apart.”
That was also a fair point. Who would see something black in the sky and think, “Oh, the sky has been ripped?” They’d probably just think something strange had appeared. Unless they witnessed the blade being swung, it was hard for anyone to connect the dots.
“Moreover, if the sky over the capital turned dark, that would be a bad omen, but if the academy’s sky changed, people might just think it was some magical mishap or an experiment gone awry. Especially with the Duke of Magic present; it makes it even more plausible.”
Especially considering the symptoms were seen at the academy, where the pinnacle of magic lies with the Duke of Magic. Just like the Emperor said, there was a chance people might think the mages had done something ridiculous once again.
‘…Not a big deal then?’
Hearing the Emperor’s words made hope flicker in my heart. Perhaps this would be brushed off as just a mild reprimand?
It’s true that I tore the sky, but not everyone thinks that way. They see it as just some eccentric act of a madman and a typical mistake from mages. Sure, the black mark left in the sky isn’t something that can happen from just any misstep, but it feels more reasonable to regard it as a result of magic rather than a sword strike.
In other words, although a crime has occurred, it’s a bizarre situation where there are no victims and no witnesses.
‘I’m alive.’
If there are no victims, then a reprimand at worst, or maybe just a written apology—
“But not everyone thinks that way.”
Oh.
My hopeful thoughts crashed rapidly, like a boat hitting a wall in the ocean.
“Reports have been flooding in since yesterday without pause. Signs of the Reverse Celestial’s remnants appearing, the specter of Gaar returning, all sorts of ominous words are popping up.”
With that, the Emperor sighed again and handed me a heap of documents. Judging by the grip he had on them, it looked like he was forcefully keeping himself from throwing them at me.
Before I could process the situation, I took hold of the stack of papers, and the dire urgency and chaos visible in the text struck me like a lightning bolt.
[ Observations of destruction in the sky above the academy. ]
[ Only a handful of individuals across the imperial army and the nomadic tribes could imitate such powers as destruction. Currently, only Inspector and Udesseur Dorgon have been confirmed to be alive. ]
[ There exists a possibility that Udesseur Dorgon has taught these destructive powers to the nomads and has infiltrated the empire. ]
The report was like a hyperactive button that triggered a flood of negative speculation. It was filled with conjecture rather than concrete explanations; is this even a report?
Anyway, I instinctively closed my eyes at the apocalyptic contents akin to a revelation. Come to think of it, countless commanders and soldiers participated in the Great Hunt War, and if even one of them managed to get stationed near the academy or its domain for any reason, they would immediately recognize it. Anyone who has witnessed destruction once will never forget it for the rest of their lives.
No, something’s off. The report clearly states that the inspector could imitate destruction, so why isn’t there a thought that it might have been me? Isn’t it more likely that I did it instead of Dorgon infiltrating with spies?
[ A clear challenge to the Mandate from the Empire, the highest educational institution, where noble offspring gather, is evident from the military provocation. ]
[ Given the presence of foreign dignitaries studying at the academy, the likelihood of the inspector inciting disorder is low, hence placing the blame on Udesseur Dorgon— ]
Curiously, I read the content again before closing my eyes once more. It’s valid; I have nothing more to say.
Common sense dictates that the individual defending the academy wouldn’t be the one to unleash Kagan’s technique in the heart of that very academy.
“What are your thoughts?”
The calm words from the Emperor felt like an ominous “I will take your life.”
‘Damn.’
Even I think it’s insane, so there’s no way I could ask for just one more chance.
*
Indeed, the inspector is a loyal servant.
He must be worried that I’d be overwhelmed with work or tired of the mundane routine, so perhaps he deliberately triggered this major incident. Each time I get a surprise from this inspector, my fatigue and boredom dissipate instantly; he’s a one-of-a-kind loyal servant that the world cannot afford to have more than once.
‘…Will things change when I get older?’
Reports from the southern regions continue to rise like screams of despair. The inspector, having read the horrendous details firsthand, bowed his head like a sinner—no, he is a sinner. Anyway, he is dangling low in shame.
What a shameful sight. The inspector is someone I can’t just toss aside, so whether he brings me a surprise or a dreadful gift, I have to bear with it, but I hope he can restrain himself when he reaches his 40s or 50s. If he pulls off another incident by then, I doubt I could hold up; I have no desire to become a collapsed emperor due to high blood pressure.
“What are your thoughts?”
“In light of my recklessness, I have caused great concern for you, Your Highness, and I have no words to offer.”
That made me even angrier. If only he had been audacious, I might have slapped him with a contempt charge along with whatever punishment came my way, but since he knows he’s in the wrong, I found it awkward to give him a scolding. Honestly, he’s mastered the art of muddling through.
Yet, since the inspector is thoroughly bowing his head, I can smoothly push forward with my plan.
“According to the report from the southern regional military commander, all the mages were utterly horrified. It seems they immediately realized it wasn’t the result of magic.”
At that statement, the inspector lowered his head even further.
“Then the mages at the academy need not be mentioned. If they tell their families or their homeland about yesterday’s incident, news will spread across the continent in no time.”
“I acted thoughtlessly…”
“Attempting to fix problems with words is cowardly. Isn’t that right?”
“…Yes, Your Highness. That’s an astute observation.”
After some hesitation, the inspector finally managed to utter words as if he was spitting out blood.
Well, that’s fine. At this point, the inspector has no choice but to accept whatever outcome arises.
“The royal family intends to make an official statement regarding this incident. As proved by the inspector’s actions, the sky was torn, and the Duke of Magic can testify to that.”
The royal family would choose to expand rather than cover up. If an event can’t be hidden, then it’s better to announce it under the banner of the royal family. Hence, this situation would turn from an impulsive act by the inspector into an incident commanded and involved by the royal family.
I wonder if the inspector had thought that far; his gloomy expression began to brighten.
“Isn’t it true that the inspector demonstrated the edge of the blade for the earnest academy students? Though it may seem excessive, one can appreciate that the inspector’s heart reflects such concern for the future.”
“You are too kind, Your Highness.”
I simply nodded at the inspector’s quick reply.
There’s nothing more to say. I feel mentally drained already, and by saying this much, the inspector should be able to comprehend.
‘Now it’s the knights’ turn to come in.’
With the Duke of Magic stationed at the academy, the empire gained both tangible and intangible benefits. Mages flocked to see the pinnacle of magic in person, eager to catch even a glimpse of his teachings. To facilitate smooth entry and activities, they arrived in droves to enroll.
Initially, I chuckled at the Duke’s decision to teach at the academy, yet it opened the floodgates for nothing but positive things once he actually began his tenure. After enjoying this sweet taste, exploring other methods of leverage is only natural.
Amid this, the inspector presented a splendid spectacle with his sword. Even if it was just a mere imitation of the Reverse Celestial’s technique, those unaware wouldn’t have known that.
‘Magic has its ups and downs; now it seems it’s the sword’s turn.’
A martial artist who has reached the level of slicing through the sky with a sword. Once this rumor spreads, it’ll create chaos that compares to the Duke of Magic’s time.
‘I’m looking forward to it.’
During the Duke’s time, the Ernesto Academy of the United Kingdom of Yuben yielded to us. Those who took pride in being a powerhouse of magic bowed before the empire. Now, isn’t it time for the knightly kingdom of Armein to do the same?
Armein must bend the knee whenever such opportunities arise. It is a powerful nation adjacent to the empire and a successor to its legacy. Plus, boasting itself as a knightly kingdom is laughable at this point.
Yet, Armein’s pride has now come to an end. A knightly kingdom? So, does Armein have a martial artist capable of matching the sky? In contrast to the overwhelming number one in magic, the rankings among knights can be complex, but that’s no longer the case now. At least, on the surface, it looks like the inspector is the top dog.
*
I’m alive.
When the Emperor pulled out the report, I was bracing myself for at least a probation, at worst, something much worse—but thankfully, it all ended without any punishment.
“It was as if the inspector was personally showing the edge of the blade for the earnest students of the academy.”
Amid the words that clearly implied I’m just being pushed into more work, it was fine. It’s better than probation or detention.
And since the Duke of Magic is teaching as if it’s his own convenience, I’m not required to take on the role of an enthusiastic teacher. Unlike during the Duke’s era, when students flocked there during the beginning of the school season, now, in the middle of the semester, I highly doubt that outsiders would suddenly converge upon me asking for instruction.
‘…I’m glad it was the sky I tore rather than something ambiguous like the academy.’
If I had sliced something vaguely about the academy, it might have ended with a punishment.
Clearly, if I was going to do something insane, I might as well go all in. Although doing it twice is a no-go.
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