Chapter 185

Chapter 185
Chapter 185
## Chapter 185: Delirium (3)

The secluded complex of Ravenclaw Academy consists of seven main structures. At the administrative core is Delphinia Hall, flanked to the east by Silver Crown Hall, intended for female education. The complex is completed by the magic teaching facilities Ravenclaw Hall and Liberten Hall, the student residence Amarilis House, the social interaction center Clementon Cultural Hall, and Bellos Hall, which serves as accommodation for imperial dignitaries.

While there are other buildings in the vicinity, the protective network deployed by Kochella only shields this central perimeter.

“We have concentrated all high-ranking guests in the main hall of Delphinia Hall. The imperial guard’s units have meticulously inspected every sector, but no trace of any intruder has been detected.”

Elfin, the head butler, delivered the report to Derek, who remained in a corner of the administration office. What was once an office for teachers now functioned as the imperial guard’s operational center to manage the crisis. Due to its strategic location, Delphinia Hall was the perfect site to monitor everything occurring at the academy.

Inside the protected area, groups with different interests coexisted: Princess Rozelyn’s inspection entourage along with the imperial guard, the southwestern aristocrats led by Baron Ravenclaw, and Kochella’s circle of magical advisors. Although the leaders maintained decorum, hostility was evident among their followers.

“Damn it! Are there still people who believe that story about a 6-star confusion mage?!”

“Even if it were real, how are we supposed to stop him? Last night there were more casualties… If this continues like this, none of us will make it out of here alive!”

The dread-filled shouts of the nobles filtered through from the corridors. Butler Elfin bowed, filled with nervousness, but Derek showed not the slightest sign of disturbance.

“What is the situation of the guests in the hall?”

“They have plenty of provisions, nothing material is lacking. However, after the murder of two other magical advisors last night… spirits are on the verge of exploding.”

“It is logical.”

During the night inspections, two more of Kochella’s subordinates lost their lives. One victim was found suspended at the entrance of Ravenclaw Hall and the other was displayed in the same way at Liberten Hall; in both cases, there were no clues, witnesses, or evidence whatsoever. The pattern was relentless: execute, suppress any memory of the event, and evaporate. Currently, only one imperial magical advisor remains alive: a young man named Dalton, who is on the verge of psychological collapse from terror.

“Where is that last advisor now?”

“In the main room of Delphinia Hall. He almost faints from fear… but he believes that being surrounded by other guests is his only salvation.”

Derek exhaled deeply, rubbed his face, and stood up.

“I will go examine the scene personally.”

“But…”

“Is something wrong?”

“The main hall… it’s an absolute disaster. Considering what is happening, it was to be expected.”

“Has not even Princess Rozelyn been able to impose order?”

“That’s right… It is rumored that, now that Kochella’s men have been eliminated, the next on the list will be the guests of honor.”

It was a coherent deduction. If Kochella insisted on maintaining the seal after losing his team, the high-ranking nobles would start to perish. The higher the status, the more attractive the target. Social indignation would end up forcing Kochella to dissolve the barrier.

However, Derek knew the reality of the matter.

“Do not worry, Mr. Derek. That fanatic will not withdraw the protection until he finds his 6-star confusion mage, no matter the cost in lives.”

Derek walked down the hallway toward the lobby, with Elfin following him with an uneasy step.

*

“Damn it… damn it… I’m going to be next! If I don’t escape right now, I’ll die…!”

“We know that guy murdered the King and looted the imperial treasury… but we are all going to be slaughtered if this doesn’t stop!”

“Shut your mouths! Silence! If the princess hears us…!”

The main area of Delphinia Hall evoked the image of a refuge after a battle: shattered furniture, broken dishes on the floor, and pale aristocrats huddled on improvised cushions. From the second-floor railing, Princess Rozelyn observed the scene with eyes bloodshot from exhaustion.

Derek positioned himself beside her and bowed slightly.

“So here you are. Reports indicate you have overseen every centimeter. I was with the guards last night and there was no progress, right? I see you still haven’t slept.”

“It was to be expected. I haven’t rested in three days. I foresaw it.”

Princess Rozelyn possesses the most unusual trait of her lineage: absolute magical immunity. Her nature makes her invulnerable to fear caused by spells, making her the pivot of the investigation. Capturing such an intruder is virtually impossible, as they alter memories, visions, and senses. However, Rozelyn’s condition creates a flaw in that plan. Any modification in the environment or in the minds of others would be detected by her instantly, which makes the mage have to be extremely cautious.

“Even so, looking down from this balcony has its own appeal.”

“Oh, really?”

“Seeing those arrogant nobles with their fine garments trembling before the grim reaper… where else could one witness such a spectacle?”

Hierarchy fades in the face of death. Fatigue had carved furrows under Rozelyn’s eyes. Her voice sounded broken and her hair had lost its shine, but she remained vigilant at the only blind spot for confusion magic.

“I suppose that includes me too.”

“…”

“As a note, the exhaustion is taking its toll on me. Spending a sleepless night is common at the academy, but three days in a row… I fear I might faint. If that happens, the slaughter of nobles will truly begin.”

Although she felt no affection for the aristocracy, Rozelyn understood the chaos their deaths would unleash. But there was a deeper wound that motivated her.

“He killed my father.”

Rozelyn’s gaze gathered fierce strength, giving off energy that contrasted with her physical weakness. No matter what she had felt for Emperor Gertrel, her fury was fueled by a desire for absolute retribution.

“I will do whatever it takes to destroy that wretch. But I will not allow my emotions to cloud my strategy. Realistically, everything is getting worse. If the last advisor falls… the disaster will be total.”

“True. The head of the guard repeats the same thing. And what do they suggest? That we let free the monster that killed the king and stole our most sacred treasure?”

Rozelyn’s icy gaze suggested that many had already asked her to lift the barrier. It would be the logical option for a ruler: prioritize the lives of those present over the hunt for an invisible assassin. But Rozelyn resisted, moved by reasons different from Kochella’s.

“When Kochella’s men die, the nobles will be the prey: the lioness Duplein, Lady Elennte of Beltus, perhaps Denis of Belmierd. The most powerful lineages of the southwest.”

“…”

“If your beloved students start to die, you will feel the same rage as me. Am I wrong?”

Derek nodded silently. As a mentor, he deeply valued the bonds with his students. The death of any of them would turn him into a relentless hunter.

“Time is running against us. We must execute a definitive move. Do you possess any real plan? Because the Book of Hatred seems to be… insufficient.”

It was clear that Rozelyn did not trust Kochella’s object. Derek shook his head.

“Your Highness, I believe I have the solution.”

Rozelyn focused her tired gaze on Derek. Although he was usually expressionless, his words always had a purpose. Derek showed his hand, which suffered a slight tremor; a sign of stress improper in someone so contained.

“Think about it: after finishing off the empire’s advisors, who is next? Could it be Duplein? Belmier? Beltus? None of them.”

“…!”

Rozelyn immediately grasped the origin of Derek’s unease. To sow total chaos, the assassin would go after the heads. The leaders were three: Rozelyn (the empire), Kochella (magic power), and Derek (the academy). Rozelyn was immune. Kochella was too strong. Only one vulnerable target remained.

“You… it is you…”

Even the haughty princess’s eyes wavered for a moment. Derek’s face regained its usual rigidity. He could die at any moment, extinguished like a flame without warning. Each breath was a risk.

In a dungeon, one can find refuge or stay alert. But in this place, there was no possible defense: it was to be at the mercy of a deadly fog without knowing when the blow would fall. Everyone fears death, as Rozelyn said. And Derek was no exception.

On the other side of the hall, the last advisor had lost control of his sphincters from sheer terror: a pitiful but human image. Being the prey of an invisible executioner strips anyone of their judgment. However, Derek only showed that slight manual tremor; there was no panic in his eyes. He looked like a man who lived with death on a daily basis.

“How can you maintain your sanity in this state?”

“As you can observe, my hands do not stop trembling.”

Rozelyn marveled at Derek’s serenity. If the academy leader wavered, panic would devour everyone. Perhaps the internal politics of the place had forged his character. This man was much more than a simple winemaker.

“This coercion… may be our best card.”

“Our opportunity…?”

“That terrified advisor is protected under Your Majesty’s gaze. Therefore… the intruder will come for me. If we anticipate his attack, we can prepare a trap for him. However, every opportunity requires a price.”

“I will put my life at stake. If I survive and succeed, will I have your support? Your Majesty, will you accept the deal?”

Firmly holding Rozelyn’s delicate arm, Derek spoke with a disturbing resolution. The proposal that followed left the princess speechless. His goal was to end this crisis in an immediate and radical way.