Chapter 321

Chapter 321

The days slipped away rapidly in this manner.

During this interval, Evelyn had successfully gathered all the resources she had previously distributed across the Second Black and White Slums, and Lucifer had also been granted the Circle.

“Is this truly…?”

“Indeed, that is the Circle. What are your impressions?”

“…It feels as though my vision has been completely cleared.”

Lucifer characterized the experience of forming the Circle as a true awakening.

Comparing his present state to his past, it felt akin to stepping out of pitch-black darkness and directly into the radiance of dawn.

“The mana flowing through the world… I never comprehended just how limitless it was. It is beautiful.”

“Do not allow yourself to become overly captivated. Managing it is your responsibility from this moment forward.”

“Understood, Tower Lord. However…”

Uncharacteristically, Lucifer let his voice trail off, his lips trembling slightly.

“Speak your mind.”

“Will you no longer be coming to the Second Black and White Slums?”

“That is my current intention. Is there an issue?”

In response to my inquiry, Lucifer’s features tightened a bit as his gaze narrowed. He seemed deep in thought about something.

“My neck is aching terribly. Let us sit down first.”

“……Ah, very well.”

I pulled a chair over and took a seat, quietly observing Lucifer, who had carelessly dropped himself onto the ground. Then, I spoke up.

“It appears you have something to share.”

“I am simply at a loss for how to articulate it.”

“You do not know?”

Lucifer gave a firm nod without any hesitation.

His countenance resembled that of a toddler who had only recently discovered language, utterly lost in contemplation. His deeply set eyes perfectly mirrored his profound confusion.

“This sensation… well, it brings a sense of sorrow.”

“Sorrowful?”

“Indeed. Precisely that. It is a feeling of regret.”

Lucifer muttered the word “regret” multiple times, nodding with conviction.

Yet, what exactly was the source of his remorse?

Under my steady gaze, Lucifer sheepishly scratched his head before attempting to reorganize his scattered thoughts. Fortunately, this particular period of reflection did not last long.

“Studying under your guidance has been an absolute privilege, Tower Lord. Yet, knowing that you will no longer visit the Second Black and White Slums… it fills me with genuine sorrow. After all, these fleeting moments will never return.”

Having spoken his piece, Lucifer flashed a forced, awkward grin, clearly self-conscious about his own sentimentality. I could not help but let out a soft chuckle.

“Yes, you speak the truth. These specific moments will not happen again.”

“So it is certain then?”

“However, that does not imply you must drown yourself in remorse.”

“And why shouldn’t I?”

Lucifer’s gaze locked onto a singular spot. It was an old habit of his—searching for profound, hidden layers within a conversation. It was the sort of intense focus born from the desperate hope that he might unearth some hidden truth or broaden his understanding of the world.

And I had dismantled those very expectations on numerous occasions before, both in my previous life and within this one.

Why?

“Just because I will not be visiting the Second Black and White Slums does not mean our connection is severed. If the worst comes to pass, you can simply seek me out down the line. What is so complicated about that?”

“Word has it that you operate entirely in secret, Tower Lord. How could I possibly track you down?”

“Who can say? Perhaps one day my reputation will soar across these lands, and the Magic Tower will be a household name.”

“Should I simply bide my time until that day arrives, then?”

“Most likely. Alternatively, you could inquire with Grand Duke Musphelun. He will possess knowledge of my whereabouts.”

“Hmm, that still does not feel entirely reassuring. Regardless, it is incredibly disheartening. To consider that this might be the final occasion I look upon you…”

“Why must you assume it is the final time?”

At my question, Lucifer’s expression grew rigid, as though he carried the weight of the world’s greatest anxiety upon his shoulders.

“For two distinct reasons.”

“Two?”

“Yes. To begin with, the Decullans are actively hunting you, Tower Lord. For the Patriarch to take action personally… the hostility between yourself and the Decullans must run incredibly deep. I am ignorant of the specifics, but I can readily grasp the peril involved in crossing them.”

“You were aware of this, yet you still chose to establish contact with me?”

“Did you not instruct me to reach out whenever the Decullans made an appearance?”

“Fair point. Ah, regarding the communication orb? You are free to utilize it.”

Recalling the device I had provided him with earlier, I presented it as a solution, but Lucifer shook his head firmly in refusal.

“It was confiscated by the Grand Duke’s apprentice. Even the one directly linked to the Duke himself.”

“The apprentice……”

Obern. He claimed he was executing the directives of the Grand Duke and took it without causing a scene. He offered his regrets, but I informed him it was entirely unnecessary. After all, one cannot realistically expect anyone to keep watch over the Second Black and White Slums indefinitely.

Mmh. So that was how the events unfolded.

However, Lucifer had the scenario entirely backward.

It was not a matter of the slums being too hazardous for me to draw focus toward. Rather, it was my very presence in that locality that had placed the slums in jeopardy.

Naturally, the true perpetrators were the Decullans.

“And what is the second justification?”

Lucifer, who had been speaking quite uninhibitedly just moments prior, suddenly dragged out his words.

“Give me your word that you will not strike me.”

“A promise made. Easily done.”

“Are you truly certain?”

“Absolutely.”

Despite my firm reassurance, Lucifer regarded me with distinct suspicion. Nonetheless, it did not take long for him to speak. And thus, the second justification was revealed…

“The second factor is your utterly atrocious disposition, Tower Lo—iGuh!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I swung my hand and struck him across the head with all the power I could muster.

“Hey, you gave your word!”

“Oaths are fundamentally designed to be shattered.”

“How can you be so ruthless…?”

I massaged my throbbing knuckles while keeping an eye on the agitated Lucifer. Good grief, what on earth is your skull composed of?

Regardless, that was not the primary concern at the moment.

“Reflecting upon it, I realize I have never actually struck you prior to this day.”

Though in my previous existence, I certainly would have given you a thorough thrashing.

I began to loosen up my limbs while closing the distance toward the fleeing Lucifer. Naturally, he stood absolutely no chance of escaping.

Why?

Because hands move far quicker than feet.

……What a deeply moving send-off!

Following that heartfelt farewell with Lucifer, I went to check in with the senior myself.

“So, the goodbyes are finished? Is everything wrapped up?”

“Yes, effectively so.”

“I figured as much. For a brief second, I thought you were slaughtering livestock. What was the meaning of that screeching…?”

“He was likely just experiencing a surge of excitement.”

“……Is that so?”

The senior offered me a thoroughly exhausted stare before letting out a heavy sigh and shaking his head. It seemed as though he possessed a great deal to say, and if he began, it would drag on for an eternity, so I took the initiative to cut in.

“But what was the reason you summoned me?”

“What else could it be? Because you were departing from the Second Black and White Slums.”

“……What?”

I could not have been more bewildered. What earthly connection did my departure from the Second Black and White Slums have to do with the senior?

“You are behaving as though we are fated never to cross paths again.”

“……Will we?”

“Naturally.”

“……I intend to remain within the vicinity of the Black and White Slums.”

“Do you intend to lock yourself away like a common convict?”

“No, but that isn’t…”

Oh, boy.

Now the realization hit me: he had requested my presence because he felt downcast regarding our parting. Yet, Senior Myselrn truly had no reason to fret.

Lucifer was still nothing more than an unseasoned youth incapable of standing on his own two feet, which was why I maintained my distance from him. Senior Myselrn, conversely, managed things spectacularly well and could even provide me with sanctuary if circumstances turned dire. A highly proficient asset… that is to say, a spirit user.

They might have confiscated Lucifer’s communication device, but they surely had not touched the one belonging to his superior.

Ah, hold on, was that the entirety of it?

Are you truly still feeling that dejected?

If that were the case, I possessed the perfect remedy.

“How does this strike you, senior?”

“What exactly…?”

“We can establish a weekly gathering for a grand feast accommodating 72 individuals. We can exchange the latest updates from the week and cultivate a strong sense of unity among the group. Does that sound appealing?”

“Sigh… Leave my sight.”

I tilted my head, watching Senior Myselrn as he dismissed me with a thoroughly defeated expression. What could possibly be wrong? I assumed he would be absolutely thrilled. Where else was he going to encounter an individual of my caliber?

“We extend an invitation for a meal out of sheer courtesy and provide entertainment to ensure you aren’t left bored.”

The absolute ideal arrangement for the youth, wouldn’t you say?

Utterly perplexed by Senior Myselrn’s inexplicable shift in temperament, I stepped out of the orphanage. To speak plainly, there were not very many individuals within the Second Black and White Slums to whom I owed a proper farewell.

‘I have already said my goodbyes to Boss Svetlana and Timur… I don’t really have any other loose ends here.’

Ah, well, there were those fellows, more or less. Yes, them. The problem-solvers I had set free out on the plains before launching an assault on the problem-solver training center.

“Tower Lord.”

“Indeed.”

“Take proper care of yourself.”

“The same to you.”

They bowed their heads and stepped back, looking so perfectly integrated into ordinary society that one might easily mistake them for standard local toughs.

‘Is this truly for the best? At the very least, it surpasses being problem-solvers, right?’

I did not bother to offer any farewells to the children residing at the orphanage. All I did was arrange the necessary provisions for them. The genuine labor was handled entirely by Senior Musphelun and Senior Myselrn.

How long did I spend wandering aimlessly through the Black and White Slums in this fashion?

“Are you present?”

“Business.”

“Myself? It is of no consequence.”

“Very well. In truth, you don’t possess much to occupy your time with anyway.”

Are you still nursing a grudge?

I would have struck her far less frequently than Lucifer, yet Evelyn certainly possessed a talent for drawing out an issue. My knuckles were practically demanding justice.

However, Evelyn remained as sharp-witted as ever; she swiftly shifted the subject, and it was a topic I simply could not afford to disregard.

What could it be?

“Grand Duke Musphelun is currently waiting for your arrival. Let us quicken our pace!”

Senior Musphelun, who had withdrawn into complete isolation after finalizing his Circle, was requesting my presence. A dinner gathering, perhaps?

“If he calls for you at this hour, it is highly probable he wishes for us to dine together.”

“Yes, that is to be anticipated.”

I conversed with Evelyn regarding our potential dinner options while directing my steps toward the Grand Duke’s dwelling. The residence of the Grand Duke—good grief, it was merely an ordinary mansion that was slightly grand at best, serving as a temporary shelter.

Regardless, I made my way inside.

“You have arrived.”

I silently observed Senior Musphelun, who was seated within the parlor.

“Yes, I managed to complete it… however.”

Was this truly the identical individual?

His eyes were incredibly tranquil and composed. His aura was gentle. Yet, merely gazing upon him caused an undefinable weight to wash over me… It appeared that Senior Musphelun had completely stabilized his Circle.

Did he read my internal thoughts?

Senior Musphelun offered a warm smile and shook his head in denial.

“I still have a vast distance left to travel. I am nowhere near my absolute peak. This matter of the Circle… it is devilishly intricate.”

“Ah, quite so.”

Perhaps… I have inadvertently unleashed a terrifying entity.

“Well, how have you been faring?”

“Splendidly, senior.”

“Suddenly exhibiting such courtesy?”

“I have consistently maintained this level of respect.”

“That contradicts the accounts I received from Myselrn. Something regarding your tendency to mistake ‘proper decorum’ for an ‘aura.’ I haven’t the faintest clue what that implies.”

“What? Me? Absolutely never!”

That clever old fox. Utilizing the elder status card against me!

Fortunately, however, Senior Musphelun was an incredibly broad-minded individual, entirely unlike Myselrn.

Why broad-minded, you ask?

‘The truly powerful typically possess such a nature.’

Naturally, the very instant he decided to lay his hands upon me, the term “annihilation” would inevitably serve as a fitting description. I altered the topic of conversation before Senior Musphelun could press further with that inquisitive tilt of his head.

And, as anticipated, the true core of the matter lay elsewhere.

“However… what was the reason you requested my presence?”

“Nothing of great consequence, I merely desired to present you with a small parting token as you depart.”

“A token…”

My chest throbbed with anticipation as I waited for him to clarify. Wealth? Precious gold? Real estate? What sort of offering would a Grand Duke belonging to the imperial lineage provide? Surely it would not be anything as utterly bizarre as what that narrow-minded Myselrn would offer.

…Yet, the offering from Senior Musphelun proved to be immeasurably more significant than anything I could have ever envisioned.

So, what exactly was it?

“Would you possess an interest in acquiring some humble insights?”

The profound teachings of the Archmage of the End.