### Chapter: 284
After finishing his chat with Durandal, Kraush immediately set off on the road to Jeblam.
“Here we are, Jeblam….”
At that moment, a strikingly beautiful man with a touch of decadence stood beside Kraush.
With flaming red hair, he was none other than Aslan Igrit.
A friend of Kraush who would later be known as the Demon Emperor, he wore an expression filled with nostalgia.
The Magic Kingdom of Jeblam reflected its advanced magical development, clearly deserving of admiration in Aslan’s eyes.
Even the ordinary citizens here wielded at least 2-circle magic, and the entire kingdom operated through magic-based facilities.
Though the city of Hardenhartz, where Aslan had grown up, was also a magical city of great renown, it was no match for Jeblam on a kingdom level.
For Aslan, a wizard, Jeblam was nothing short of astounding.
“So where did that magic-hating guy go?”
“Oh, he died a long time ago.”
In response to Kraush‘s question, Aslan lightly killed off his past self.
“Damn, what’s so great about this? I already feel tired.”
At that moment, Bioloren, standing next to him, sulked with drooping shoulders.
For her, Jeblam was a city that had only brought trauma.
“Haha, why not? I feel like we can create tons of magical tools here!”
On the other hand, the magical tool creator Rona Imblize wore an enthusiastic smile.
Noticing the two starkly different reactions, Aslan slyly positioned himself closer to Kraush.
“Hey, Kraush, is it okay if I don’t bring the others?”
Aslan was aware of who Kraush was referring to when he mentioned “others.”
The only ones who had come along on this trip to Jeblam were Aslan, Rona, and Bioloren.
The rest remained back at Rahern Academy.
“I’ve already told them.”
Kraush had handpicked only the most essential individuals for this mission.
With no need to mention Bioloren and Rona, Kraush also had the intention of seeking advice from the magical energy regarding Aslan’s development.
Aslan had recently hit a plateau in his growth.
On the other hand, the other kids had little to gain from Jeblam.
Given the excellent nurturing environment of Rahern Academy, growing there was much more beneficial.
“Go ahead and have fun.”
Knowing this, Bianca willingly permitted Kraush’s journey to Jeblam.
While engaging in the world erosion activities alongside Kraush, she felt she was still lacking.
Hence, she decided to double down on her training and stay at Rahern Academy.
As she mentioned, Bianca also spent a night beside Kraush just like before.
The other kids didn’t differ much in their reactions.
“Just don’t get hurt this time, okay?”
Only Astria grumbled a bit about worrying over Kraush but ended there, knowing well enough of his efforts.
“Kraush, am I being treated as if I don’t exist?”
At that moment, Kraush turned his gaze slightly at the sound of a voice from behind.
There stood Aslan’s maid, Lirina.
Wrapped in a beige dress, Lirina smiled softly at Kraush.
“I never thought you were the type to care about social status, Kraush. Everyone else gets treated well, but you just ignore me. Oh, how it wounds my heart.”
“Excuse me, Lirina, you’re the one who judges status and treats me casually.”
“Oh, Kraush, you’re just misreading my feelings; I treat you special!”
With her usual witty banter, Lirina was sharp as ever.
Seeing their banter, Aslan blinked in surprise.
“You two sure are close. Sometimes I think you’re closer than me.”
“We’re not close.”
“Exactly. We’re miles away from being close.”
What kind of nonsense was that? Aslan pondered in confusion as he watched.
Just then, someone began running toward them from afar.
A middle-aged man in glasses, with his robe flowing as he sprinted, approached and gasped for breath.
“K-Kraush! You’re the one, right?”
He gasped desperately, finally confirming Kraush was indeed there.
Upon confirming, he sighed in relief and bowed deeply.
“King Tersasius Jeblam is waiting for you.”
Had they really already noticed after just using the teleportation facilities?
Kraush listened to his words, turning his head.
“Let’s go.”
Time to squeeze some valuable resources out of the Demon Emperor.
＊ ＊ ＊
Following the guiding wizard to the Magic Royal Palace of Jeblam.
This wizard was none other than one of the kingdom’s elite 8-circle wizards.
‘Aside from the Archmage, he’s the highest level of magic user around.’
Jeblam was a kingdom made solely for wizards, resulting in a hierarchy built upon magical circles.
An 8-circle wizard, as the name suggests, was an 8-circle magician—Adeptus Exemptus.
Considering that the Demon King and Fire King, the Ten Great Lords, were both 9-circle magicians, one could gauge just how formidable his magical skills were.
‘Are they really sending such talent to greet guests?’
For Kraush, it seemed a waste of such talent, but for Archmage Tersasius, all wizards were the same.
To him, a wizard lower than himself was merely one with less talent.
He didn’t regard them differently.
Hence, no matter their background, Tersasius would help individuals learn the magic they so desired.
Ironically, with that sense of equality, many wizards flocked to the gates of Jeblam every year.
Tersasius was known to impart magic to anyone possessing talent.
“Kraush, wouldn’t it be a waste of time just for me to regain my power alone?”
At that moment, while walking through the Royal Palace with the guide, Bioloren suddenly spoke up.
Kraush turned at her words and gave Bioloren a light smack on her forehead.
“Ow!”
Screaming, Bioloren rubbed her forehead as Kraush sighed.
“Did you forget you’re the target of Ixion? What if you go alone and he’s on watch?”
Kraush didn’t doubt Bioloren’s intentions.
She truly wanted to protect Bioloren.
But he couldn’t overlook the dangers posed by the situation surrounding her.
After all, they were inside Ixion territory.
If it were just Ixion, Kraush wouldn’t be as cautious.
But behind Ixion, there was also the Red Witch, Abella involved.
‘Abella surely wouldn’t be unaware of Ixion’s situation.’
Kraush recalled the moment he had let the barrier master go.
At that time, he hadn’t fully grasped the significance and chose not to stop Bioloren.
Now thinking back, it could’ve been a last chance.
‘Realizing things too late.’
Having only processed Bioloren’s words post-factum, Kraush recognized his mistake.
‘There hasn’t been any contact from the magic users yet.’
This meant there was a possibility they could have already encountered trouble.
‘If she’s truly in danger, then somewhere there’s got to be a sealed area important to Bioloren.’
If Abella thought she could use Bioloren‘s powers, she would have set a trap.
It would be a fool’s errand to go in blindly.
“I’ll finish my tasks there and then see to going together.”
While Kraush considered bringing Tersasius along, he had to shake his head.
Tersasius had his own goals in regard to Bioloren.
While Kraush had quenching thirst for communication, Tersasius had already made the magical creation of his lifetime his lifelong wish.
Thus, if Kraush felt there was value in using Bioloren again, Tersasius would find himself desiring her as well.
“And I plan to deal with this matter between us.”
“Both you and I are eyeing the possibility of being targeted by Ixion. What if we both fall?”
“I’m sorry for not informing you in advance, but I’ve already set up a reliable external support team, ready to assist us. They’ll contact us if they see any sign of movement from Ixion.”
Kraush hadn’t left himself vulnerable without preparation.
“While you’re being overtly distrustful of humanity, I wouldn’t think you’d feel this inclined to believe it.”
“Why am I distrustful of a human?”
How could someone turn a person into a distrustful human in an instant like that?
That was somewhat overboard.
[ Is it not true? Your nature is to continuously suspect. ]
Having seen plenty of backstabs before his regression, all Kraush could do was be cautious.
“More importantly—who is it?”
Bioloren was more interested in who the individual was rather than being informed of the contact point.
“Oh, this thing? I got lucky and learned about it through a contact before coming here. They just happened to be nearby.”
But Kraush only shared a brief smile, without going into detail.
“What’s with the secrecy?”
“Just know that this person is one of my strongest cards against Ixion.”
Bioloren eyed Kraush suspiciously.
“Besides, it’s certain that whatever was sealed by Akaiko can only be opened by you.”
“…Yeah, that much is certain.”
Bioloren nodded, wrinkling her brows in thought.
This was all she needed to know.
Regardless of what Ixion might do, she remained essential.
If they managed to bypass surveillance and twiddle their thumbs right there.
‘Have fun with all the manpower you can waste.’
A mischievous smile crept across Kraush’s lips.
“Wow, you’re looking pretty evil there.”
Though Bioloren recoiled in shock, Kraush paid it no mind.
Taking this chance to delay going there, it wouldn’t be bad to deplete Ixion’s manpower just a bit.
And when they were entirely unguarded, Kraush would sweep in, vigilant and ready to strike.
“Here we are.”
In that moment, the guiding 8-circle wizard turned around.
Kraush ceased his conversation with Bioloren and focused ahead.
There was a corridor leading somewhere.
At the end of the corridor lay the magical research room.
Countless magical diagrams, magical tools, and books adorned the space.
To Kraush’s eyes, it appeared simply cluttered.
But to those who wielded magic, this was an awe-inspiring place.
“This is…”
Aslan, entranced, gazed wide-eyed at the magical research room.
It wasn’t for nothing that Tersasius had achieved the peak of magical mastery.
To Aslan, this was nothing short of heaven for learning.
To geniuses, even more sights unfolded.
“Whoa, there’s loads of cool stuff!”
And along with Aslan, there was another genius in tow.
Rona, gifted in magical tool creation, sparkled with excitement.
Although magic and magical tools differed, they held many commonalities.
If magic manifests the power in the air,
Then magical tools are the vessels imbued with that power.
Tersasius, boasting the title of Archmage, had mastered both fields.
Thus, his research room doubled as a workshop for magical tool creations.
Kraush was aware of this, which is why he had brought Rona along.
While Rahern Academy had excellent facilities, they paled in comparison to the grandeur of the Archmage’s laboratory.
Rona would surely produce remarkable magical tools using the finest materials here.
“Oi, both of you, don’t just space out. Keep up.”
Kraush, pulling the dazed Aslan and Rona, led the way further inside.
After some time, they reached an open terrace.
The ceiling was made of glass, allowing ample sunlight to pour in.
As March was ending and April was approaching, the sunlight streaming in felt incredibly warm.
In the midst of that warmth sat a boy in the spotlight.
The vacant terrace, separate from the magic laboratory, held a swaying hammock where a boy lay sleeping, wearing an eye mask.
And that boy’s appearance was familiar.
It was none other than Themarin Jeblam, the top student of the third batch.
The image of the fake son created by Tersasius.
Kraush trudged over in that direction.
Before Kraush could reach, Bioloren shot ahead.
“Here we are, and he’s sleeping?”
Spotting Tersasius made Bioloren furious as she roughly pushed the hammock.
The hammock swung violently at her insistence.
But inside, Tersasius showed no signs of waking up.
Seeing this, anger surged within Bioloren, as she reached for the hammock again when Kraush grabbed her shoulder.
“Bioloren, that’s enough.”
“Why not? We need to wake him up!”
“No, he won’t wake. He’s using a Soul Separation spell.”
Upon hearing this, Bioloren appeared puzzled.
She then slowly redirected her gaze back to Tersasius.
Though the loud commotion filled the room, he continued to sleep soundly.
He showed no signs of stirring, as though his very soul had drifted away.
“Why’s he using the Soul Separation spell?”
“Because his physical body needs to rest. He’s put to sleep for recovery, while the soul separates for magical research.”
Kraush looked at Tersasius with wide eyes.
He hadn’t merely called Tersasius a lunatic for nothing.
He seemed to think his sleeping hours were just wasted time, so he utilized his soul for research.
By becoming a soul, his physical brain could also fall into complete rest.
Bioloren gazed blankly.
Apparently, this fact had missed her radar.
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