Chapter 181

The Back-Alley Mage’s Return – Chapter 181

Chapter 181. Shadow of a Flying Beast

Even though it was the peak of the summer season, a freezing, piercing chill seemed to blow in from an unknown source.

My body went rigid, and Myserln sunbae turned completely to stone.

Meanwhile, Gamo—speaking from the opposite side of the magical orb—fell into absolute silence. I would wager my existence on the fact that this quietness was far more terrifying than any verbal threat.

Deep within my mind, a singular realization emerged.

‘We are completely done for.’

Indeed. Total, undeniable catastrophe.

To begin with, attempting to obtain Gamo’s authorization wasn’t a terrible strategy.

If Demian absolutely had to depart—and if there truly was no avoiding it—then presenting the matter directly was the most logical approach.

Yet, that initial declaration… what?

[…My child, I must have processed that incorrectly. Could you repeat those words, just one more time?]

“Mother, do not grieve excessively. Passing away is a destination that awaits every living being.”

[…Aster. Put Aster on the line.]

Recognizing immediately that Demian was beyond the reach of rational thought, Gamo redirected her hostility toward me.

However, Demian merely shook his head from side to side. Could this be the upgraded—prototype Demian, Version 2? Incredibly dependable… or so it seemed.

“Mother, regarding this situation, Aster did serve as the ultimate catalyst, but the blame does not lie with Aster.”

Is this person completely out of his mind?

[So that boy truly was the catalyst… Very well. In that case, I am exceedingly curious—what exactly is transpiring over there?]

“I am setting out on an epic journey.”

[An epic journey… indeed, an epic journey. Splendid. Proceed, then. And is Aster still remaining by your side?]

“Yes. He is currently consuming snacks.”

[Understood. Inform him that continuing to consume snacks right there will be highly advantageous to his continued health. So, you are departing on a journey?]

Demian gave a firm nod, his face full of resolve.

“This is a destiny that cannot be avoided.”

His demeanor was incredibly grave.

Yes. My own demise was likely unavoidable as well.

“It represents the initial stride toward achieving heroism, conquering severe challenges and tribulation. Ever since the old days, legendary figures have forged their growth by straddling the line between survival and death—and at long last, a similar path has presented itself to me.”

Furthermore, I possessed no desire to be a hero, so for what reason did I have to suffer through severe challenges and tribulation?

Never in my life had I harbored the ambition to become a hero.

Munch, munch, munch.

By this point, I didn’t even bother to muffle the noise.

Whether I remained silent or made a racket, my fate would remain identical—and if that was the reality, transitioning into a well-clothed spirit was at least the superior path.

From that moment onward, my attention drifted away from Demian. I simply stared out through the glass panes.

The firmament was blanketed in shadow; magnificent stars were densely scattered across it—and cutting across the brilliant, luminous orb of the moon, a silhouette glided past, indistinctly.

Perhaps the true follower of the wyvern hadn’t been Myserln sunbae after all.

While my mind wandered along those lines, Demian continued to expound his “heroic philosophy” to Gamo, attempting to convince her of how honorable his journey was by referencing the tales of various historic legends… which essentially sounded like the plot of a low-tier theatrical play he had encountered back in Amera.

By that point, a strange sense of amusement began to wash over me.

‘An opportunity like this doesn’t come around every day.’

Indeed. In what other circumstance would I get to witness the young future leader of the Great Brando family delivering his final testaments?

Besides, I was already a fugitive running from Deculan anyway. Compounding my troubles with an additional Brando wasn’t going to make my circumstances noticeably more wretched.

The origin of this self-assurance was my own past—the fact that I had been working tirelessly to survive.

‘The Academy, Lortel, Riheim sunbae, and even extending to Parun. I’ve managed to cultivate a respectable network of contacts up to now.’

Granted, no matter where I traveled, I would likely be treated like cold rice—an unwanted leftover—but as long as I preserved my life, that was enough.

If things took a turn for the absolute worst, it wouldn’t be a terrible option to retreat into some isolated, distant peaks and live as a feral human, surviving on wild roots.

Regarding the Tower…

Perhaps I could construct stone monuments or something similar.

To ward off isolation, I could even train a couple of wyverns—and when the timing was right, arrange mates for them.

Then, when they produced offspring, I would assign titles to the newborns based on the sequence of their birth.

And when those offspring produced their own offspring, and those in turn produced a subsequent generation, that would be the exact moment I would finally descend from the wilderness.

On that particular day, Brando would recollect.

The helpless, vulnerable Black and White Zone drifter child whom they had mistreated.

But by the time they witnessed the horde of wyverns obscuring the heavens, any chance for redemption would have long since passed.

Just as the third generation of wyvern offspring was conceptually coming into existence within my imagination…

Demian’s monologue drew to a close, and Gamo’s tone turned deep and quiet.

[You intend to desert your household?]

“It is a transition into spiritual devotion.”

[In that case, what is the destination for this epic journey?]

“The ancient ruins.”

[…]

From my position, only her auditory responses were perceptible, but Gamo sounded—for some reason—completely drained of energy.

“Mother.”

[…Speak.]

“Do not fret. This venture will not extend for too long, and provided I survive, I shall return before an excessive amount of time slips away.”

[At that moment, Aster will be accompanying you back as well, correct?]

“Will he not?”

[Sigh……. So what exactly are you trying to communicate? Judging by the circumstances, you do not appear to be seeking your mother’s consent.]

“I have comprehended the concept of accountability.”

[…Accountability?]

Given that the entire dialogue had been nothing but absurdities from the start, Gamo appeared genuinely taken aback when a coherent, legitimate concept was finally uttered.

Yet unbothered by this, Demian composedly—and with an honorable stability—articulated his new understanding to Gamo.

“I came to understand that with every choice I make, the existences of numerous individuals can be upended. Therefore… if my return proves impossible, I harbored concerns that the people residing here might suffer harm.”

“……”

Hearing Demian’s earnest expressions, the skin near the corner of my eyes began to throb.

‘Why does his use of formal language sound so incredibly bizarre?’

I am utterly incapable of getting accustomed to it.

Merely listening to it is sufficient to give me chills.

But did Gamo perceive it differently?

[…Accountability, accountability.]

After turning Demian’s phrase over in her thoughts a few times, Gamo eventually spoke, letting slip a soft exhale.

[Is it absolutely essential that you depart?]

“It is my destiny.”

Ah—that formal language again.

While I had desired for him to acquire manners, this… this was definitely not the outcome I envisioned.

‘But… can this actually succeed?’

There was no chance.

Somehow, a comforting ambiance was beginning to settle over the room, yet the upcoming events I foresaw were not positive in the slightest.

Nevertheless, Demian pressed onward with resolve. Spoken softly, but with a degree of conviction greater than ever before.

“Even if my return is prevented, that failure does not rest upon the shoulders of the individuals residing here, Mother.”

“……”

Hearing that truthful declaration, for a brief instant, Demian appeared as a completely different person to me.

‘Ah, that formal language.’

Regardless, I anticipated Gamo’s reply in a state of near-total resignation, and then… wait? I must genuinely be losing my sanity today.

Did my ears deceive me?

[…Very well. Excellent. You have my consent.]

“…What?”

“For what reason…?”

The bewildered “What?” originated from me. The confused “For what reason…?” belonged to Myserln sunbae.

Even though the words had reached my ears, I was entirely unable to comprehend Gamo’s decree. My jaw quivered as I tilted my head to the side, stiff as a rusty hinge.

‘Could this be an illusion?’

I struck my own cheek with maximum force, but the only outcome was an incredible amount of pain.

Yes. Definitely not an illusion.

Which signified… Gamo had genuinely authorized Demian’s exploration of the ancient ruins…

“Mother, may your physical condition remain robust, and may prosperity follow you.”

[Demian, my affection for you is everlasting.]

“Yes. My gratitude.”

And with those words, the affectionate dialogue between parent and child reached its conclusion.

Leaving in its wake absolute bewilderment, dread, and utter chaos.

‘Is this… actually happening?’

There was simply no way.

The exact moment that realization crystallized—

Demian, who had been bowing his head with a resolute expression, abruptly lifted his gaze and dragged both me and Myserln sunbae into the center of the space.

“Instructor, you witnessed me obtaining consent, correct?”

“I did… perceive it… however….”

“Individuals who utilize a single mouth to utter two contradictory statements are baser than common beasts.”

Why is his gaze fixed directly on me when he mentions “common beasts”?

“Un…derstood.”

Ultimately, as Myserln sunbae offered a nod of agreement, a content grin surfaced at the edge of Demian’s lips.

“Excellent. In that case.”

Demian gave a self-assured nod.

I had been paralyzed by the rapid shift in circumstances, but I snapped back to the present immediately upon hearing a fracturing noise—CRACK!—resembling the shattering of an object.

“……?”

Demian had pulverized the enchanted communication orb that connected straight to Gamo.

‘Why… on earth did he destroy that?’

The instant that query crossed my mind—

Demian declared with a wonderfully cheerful expression,

“Now, it is time to flee.”

“……Flee?”

“Correct. Flee.”

Following that pronouncement, Demian launched his body out into the open air through the window.

He clung to the outer frame, suspended in midair, and communicated via expressions to myself and Myserln sunbae.

“Comrade, we must move with haste. If we delay, we will be apprehended. Instructor, quicken your pace.”

What… what sort of predicament have we gotten ourselves into now?

Following the termination of the magical link, Bianca fixed her gaze upon the crystal orb, her eyelids twitching slightly.

The sentiments remaining within her expression were an even split between satisfaction and annoyance.

The satisfaction stemmed from her gratification regarding Demian, who had displayed signs of emotional maturation.

The annoyance was directed entirely toward Aster.

‘I have… introduced a demon into this household.’

However, that reflection endured for only a fleeting moment.

Bianca rose from her seating arrangement and stepped out into the hallway.

There was zero uncertainty in her stride.

In a manner reminiscent of a commander advancing toward a battlefield.

With that courageous posture, Bianca directed her steps toward the magical transmission chamber connected to the primary residence of the Head of House.

“L-Lady Gamo?”

The attendant mage supervising the transmission chamber started violently at Gamo’s unexpected arrival and rapidly cleared away the moisture at the edge of his lips.

‘…An impending salary reduction.’

The countenances of his innocent pet and the terrifying spirit—no, his fragile partner awaiting him at his residence flashed through his consciousness.

He had been discovered sleeping on duty by Lady Gamo. For how many billing cycles would his earnings be withheld this time?

As the spellcaster’s expression grew somber, contemplating his miserable prospects… contrary to expectations, Gamo paid it no mind whatsoever.

She simply commanded,

“Lord Tohoman… no, Lord Rolan… no. It matters not who—establish contact with whichever individual is stationed within Amera this very second.”

“……I beg your pardon?”

“Did my words fail to register? I instructed you to establish contact with the individual currently inside Amera.”

Hearing that freezing directive, the spellcaster went rigid as ice, then began operating as if a predator were pursuing him.

Simultaneously, Gamo Bianca gnawed on an entirely blameless fingernail, organizing the thoughts in her mind.

‘It must not be too late….’

Indeed.

In reality, her utterance of “Very well, do as you wish” to Demian had been entirely a deception.

Because she recognized that regardless of her declarations, he would refuse to comply. Because she comprehended that the more stringently she attempted to restrict him, the more he would slip away utilizing some freakish, unimaginable strategy.

One only had to recall the desertion incident prior to his enrollment at the Academy.

Who could have anticipated such an event?

Who would have guessed that the boy would bypass every single sentinel within the estate and migrate all the way into the Black and White Zone?

Thus, Gamo’s current decision represented the optimal reaction forged from past experiences.

Naturally, it was an action that risked forfeiting Demian’s confidence—but to Bianca, the well-being of her offspring outweighed any bond of trust.

Following that, how much time elapsed in waiting?

“L-Lady Gamo?”

“Deliver your report.”

“L-Lord Tohoman’s transmission has successfully connected.”

“It connected? Meaning you were not the one to initiate it?”

“……Correct.”

Observing the mage’s unsettled demeanor, Bianca felt a sinister premonition swelling within her.

“Transfer it to me.”

Gamo seized the enchanted orb with a rapid sweep of her hand.

[La-Lady Gamo. A catastrophic event has occurred. I offer my profound apologies!]

Line breaks.

“……What has transpired?”

As her dread intensified, Gamo’s eyes vibrated. Even so, the phrases emerging from the communication were completely unexpected.

[Ch-Chenbi has been taken against her will.]

…All of a sudden, Chenbi?

While I tilted my head in utter bewilderment, a chaotic uproar erupted from the other side of the magical orb.

[Lo-Lord Tohoman! Young Master Demian has broken out!]

[W-what… what did you say?! Young Master Demian?!]

[A-Aster has vanished from his location as well!]

[……!]

[It is Lord Myserln! That Myserln individual…!]

One after another, declarations so disastrous they could scarcely be articulated in speech manifested.

Gamo Bianca brushed a lock of hair that had tumbled down back into position, bit down forcefully upon her top lip, and released a scorching breath.

“……Issue a reward for their capture.”

[……I beg your pardon?]

“Inform them… any individual who delivers even a shred of data will be compensated excessively. Anyone… absolutely anyone.”

On a evening when the celestial orb radiated luminous and complete,

an unidentified flying creature sliced through the midnight heavens.

Was this airborne creature truly a wyvern?

No soul could verify the reality.