Chapter 274

Chapter 274 – Not Yet Concluded

Aster quietly processed the circumstances.

Ultimately, the core of Rihaym’s words could be condensed into a single point.

• He intended to shield the orphanage from the Decullan Family’s reach.

Under these conditions, the orphanage was the sole entity that could truly represent a “liability,” making this conclusion entirely logical. Yet, a fundamental question remained.

“By what means……”

Even Musphelun during the peak of his influence would have faced an uphill battle trying to oppose an influential noble house single-handedly.

To attempt it now, with his inner core grievously fractured, seemed utterly unfeasible.

However, the solution lay subtly concealed within what Rihaym had previously stated.

“I plan to mobilize every resource available to me.”

“……”

What exactly did those words imply?

It extended beyond mere individual martial prowess; he was prepared to utilize his network of associations and his long-concealed persona.

……To put it plainly, he would announce to the Empire that Grand Duke Musphelun had survived.

Such a revelation carried immense weight even for someone like Rihaym, indicating this was far from an act of completely selfless charity.

“I require only a single vow.”

Aster questioned him, having anticipated a catch.

“Name it.”

“As previously stated, sever your ties and obligations to the orphanage entirely. Furthermore, complete your education at the Academy. While its lessons might offer you little value, this remains my prerequisite.”

“……”

This unforeseen requirement caused Aster to blink in surprise.

Knowing Rihaym’s character, Aster had anticipated a demand tied to Obern. Yet, the terms presented were entirely focused on Aster’s own welfare.

At this juncture, Aster felt compelled to inquire further.

“Then…… what do you stand to gain from this, Senior?”

“What did you stand to gain?”

“……”

He found himself entirely devoid of an answer.

Ensuring the safety of the orphanage yielded no individual advantages for Aster.

At most, he could rationalize it as protecting Lucifer, the successor to the Mage Tower…… though that ultimately amounted to nothing more than a strained pretext.

Coming to this realization, Aster became keenly aware once more of the profound transformation he had undergone compared to his past existence.

He now possessed assets to defend, duties to uphold, and companions willing to share his tribulations. In contrast to his earlier life where a fall required pulling himself up in total isolation, an offering hand was now present. In a reality where missteps resulted in eradication, individuals had emerged to buffer him from adversity, even if briefly.

As his reflections arrived at this conclusion,

Aster was forced to acknowledge the truth.

……He was genuinely encompassed by benevolent individuals.

And also.

• You despicable wretch, the rest of the world isn’t like you!

He comprehended the underlying accuracy of the declaration the parasite had shrieked.

Therefore, thus……

That solitary comment from Rihaym had imparted an immense lesson to Aster.

If human existence could be compared to literature, his prior life was a tragic narrative weaving grim chronicles with cynical wit.

Yet this current journey…… while still ongoing, could it perhaps transform into a lighthearted piece that delivers delightful chronicles through genuine happiness?

Contemplating that prospect, the edges of Aster’s eyelids twitched imperceptibly.

In that moment, Rihaym’s parting words echoed nearby.

“Keep that objective in view, then, and concentrate on your recuperation.”

Having delivered his peace, Rihaym stood up from where he sat.

Aster remained unable to produce a response even as the man departed. He merely gritted his teeth and squinted slightly, fearing that any attempt to speak might cause his composure to break like an impending storm.

……Concurrently,

A squeak, then a latch clicking.

Rihaym departed the chamber and traversed the unlit corridor. With each stride he took, he shed another layer of obscurity from the identity he had long interred.

That moniker was Musphelun dr Gigas Aderian…… a title he had personally cast away.

……During that early morning hour,

A mystical beacon transmitted from the Second Black-White Slums radiated throughout the eastern landmass.

The transmission integrated into various magical devices, revealing a straightforward communication.

Second Black-White Slums

No origin or explanation accompanied the text, yet anyone who witnessed it grasped the significance immediately.

……The Mage of Conclusion, Musphelun.

The sovereign of the bear-consumed moon was summoning the crescent phase.

Following Rihaym’s departure, Aster declined all company, dedicating his entire attention to healing.

For sustenance, he relied entirely on stored provisions retrieved from his spatial pocket.

Seven days slipped away in absolute isolation.

‘……This represents the limit of my current capabilities.’

Could it be attributed to the reconstruction of his magical pathways via the energy of Reverse Heaven? His physical mending proceeded with surprising swiftness.

Though not completely restored, executing elementary sorcery posed no difficulty.

“Wyvern, approach.”

[Moonlight stones, what is the count?]

“You insolent creature……”

The beast sought to negotiate despite the favor Aster had granted.

Aster fixed the wyvern with a sharp, piercing stare, yet the creature remained unfazed by the hostile expression.

[You, uncivilized mortal. I, magnificent dragon.]

“……”

[I am the savior. You are lacking appreciation.]

By this point, the form of address had devolved from “companion” to a blunt “you.”

Aster’s lips quivered slightly as he observed the wyvern expanding its chest with pride and snapping its tail around.

‘The creature remains convinced it is an elemental spirit……’

Its arrogance likely stemmed from never having experienced a proper reality check.

Nonetheless, Aster exhaled a profound sigh upon noticing the dried blood coating the wyvern’s form. He lacked the heart to reprimand the creature that had sustained such damage on his behalf.

“Three pieces, I will allocate three to you.”

He attempted to compromise with a fair offer, but the wyvern waved its tail in rejection.

[You, a full week has passed. Moonlight stones are owed.]

“……”

[Morning three, afternoon three, evening three. Nine per day. Total duration of delinquency, one week.]

Essentially, it was requesting the payment of moonlight stones that had slipped his mind while he was convalescing.

Ultimately, Aster agreed to settle the late balance of sixty-three along with the current three—making sixty-six altogether—before shifting focus to his objective.

And what exactly was his intent?

Light of Healing.

Mending the lacerations covering the entirety of the wyvern’s frame.

Once the restoration concluded,

[I am flawless!]

Aster monitored the wyvern as it fluttered its wings in high spirits, observing with an expressionless gaze before releasing another heavy breath.

‘An absolute drain on my finances, that creature.’

Consuming nine moonlight stones daily meant exceeding three thousand annually. Such an expense could easily ruin an average sorcerer, yet the wyvern ingested them greedily.

Yet, what alternative did he possess?

He had given his word.

Furthermore, it could hardly be considered squandered.

The sacrifices the wyvern had made for his sake transcended monetary calculation.

While Aster monitored the wyvern prancing about, a loud disturbance manifested beyond the entrance.

“My entry is non-negotiable today. Stand clear.”

“Negative. The Tower Lord requires isolation.”

“Isolation? Do you consider keeping a severely wounded individual confined for seven days beneficial? Step down while my demeanor remains polite.”

“Regardless of your civility, access is denied.”

“Why, you……”

The exasperated, panting tone came from Evelin.

To clarify, the individual posted outside was Astaroth.

Aster had summoned down his hidden watcher from above to serve as a guard, leading to animosity with Evelin after she faced a week of being turned away.

Discerning the nature of the conflict, Aster intervened before tensions boiled over.

“Tarot, permit her entrance.”

“……Understood, Tower Lord.”

Granted authorization, Astaroth retreated to provide a path. Evelin directed a furious look at him before marching aggressively into the chamber.

Following the slamming of the portal,

“What on earth transpired?”

“Regarding what?”

Evelin inspected Aster thoroughly with a vexed gaze.

“You were severely harmed, were you not? Why do you appear unscathed? And what exactly have you been occupied with for seven full days? Complete isolation. Are you aware of my anxiety? The mage went into seclusion, and Dean Rihaym announced he had commitments elsewhere and simply vanished……”

Through her rapid-fire tirade, Aster discerned the root of her indignation.

Every individual capable of providing clarity had departed.

She harbored concern but was barred from visiting the afflicted party, and with the environment feeling foreign, her irritation grew.

Aster endured Evelin’s grievances for a moment, allowing her emotional outburst to run its course. Before long, she released a long breath and ran her fingers through her hair.

“Sigh, what is the point of speaking to you anyway?”

Evelin was entirely aware that Aster was deficient in sensitivity regarding such concerns. Consequently, she felt quite absurd for displaying such concern……

“My apologies.”

“……What did you say?”

Evelin knitted her brows and stared directly at him.

For a split second, she questioned her own hearing, as it genuinely sounded as though Aster had muttered an apology……

‘Am I dreaming? If so, this has to be an outright hallucination.’

While Evelin stood blinking in bewilderment, Aster spoke once more.

“Did you miss it? I expressed regret.”

“……Oh. Right, I see?”

Evelin’s jaw dropped.

Her stunned expression quickly shifted into a grim look of suspicion.

“……Just how severe is your condition?”

“What do you mean?”

“How long do you have remaining? A single month? A week? It must be critical internal damage. How devastating is it for you to act like this……”

Evelin was utterly convinced that Aster would never exhibit such uncharacteristic sincerity unless his demise was imminent.

Her eyes even began to water with unshed tears.

Consequently, Aster found himself forced to placate her, which proved to be quite an arduous task. Regardless of his explanations, she stubbornly refused to take his word for it.

At any rate, once the chaotic misunderstanding was resolved,

“You are truly out of danger, correct?”

“Indeed, as I already mentioned.”

“Is that the absolute truth?”

“Do I have a reason to deceive you?”

Only following multiple rounds of reassurance did Evelin finally let out a sigh of relief.

He wasn’t the most reliable individual, but such vehement denials suggested he was telling the truth.

Yet, that momentary peace evaporated instantly.

Evelin immediately directed an intense, searching look at him.

“What exactly took place? You gave assurances that everything would remain peaceful. So why did things turn out……”

She possessed numerous inquiries demanding answers.

The manner in which he sustained such heavy wounds, and the specific events that unfolded on the Lortel-Decullan battleground.

In a sense, all of her accumulated inquisitiveness was spilling out simultaneously. However, her voice faded because of a memory.

• Indeed, once this matter concludes, I will disclose the entire story to you.

He had uttered those words prior to his departure, yet she harbored doubts about his willingness to honor that commitment.

He maintained a pleasant facade with everyone, but that youth with the sharp eyes consistently preserved a distinct barrier between himself and others.

From her extensive interactions with various individuals, Evelin recognized that such entrenched boundaries did not simply dissolve due to a solitary pledge.

Thus……

She would remain permanently excluded from his inner circle. And not merely herself—perhaps Damian, Chenbi, and every other associate would share that fate.

The abrupt realization of this emotional chasm left Evelin feeling strangely disheartened.

For that reason,

“I pushed too far. I am sure you had your reasons. Therefore, forget it……”

Evelin attempted to withdraw her inquiry.

At that moment, however,

“Are you inquisitive? It is not difficult to share it with you.”

“What did you say……”

Evelin’s mouth opened in surprise.

With an expression more profound than she had ever witnessed,

Aster spoke.

Are you prepared to learn the truth?

……Inevitably, Evelin’s response was already determined.

“What exactly is it? Relate it to me.”

“You will not flee once you discover it, will you?”

“We shall see……”

Evelin glanced away for a brief instant, wondering what profound mystery could possibly warrant such a serious demeanor.

Yet that skepticism quickly dissolved.

“I shall make my judgment once I am informed. Does that suffice?”

A brilliant grin illuminated Evelin’s features. Though her phrasing suggested hesitation, her demeanor indicated she was prepared to embrace whatever came.

Perhaps due to that very readiness,

“Very well, then. Let us begin. Now, where would be the best place to commence……”

A gentle smirk appeared on Aster’s face as he initiated his tale.