Ch 215
Rocard had hitherto concluded Lisir’s reactions to his deceptions as “bluff.”
Pretending to be nonchalant. Exaggerating himself.
Those who felt humiliated by his deceptions often preserved their self-esteem in such a way.
But.
By now, Rocard’s thoughts had changed considerably.
“The method of deciphering the Black Magic Barrier was revealed by that friend of his, and that friend is the founder of the Black Magic branch that includes that barrier?”
There are degrees to bluff.
Lisir’s current “bluff” was far too unrealistic to escape the immediate situation.
Even someone blinded by inferiority complex, unless incredibly foolish, would not attempt such nonsensical boasting.
Thus.
Rocard felt a sense of incongruity with Lisir’s actions for the first time.
Rocard’s impression of Lisir rapidly changed within him.
From a youngster who enjoyed playing with clumsy boasts-
“Just what kind of guy is he…?”
Thus.
Rocard, who had repeatedly thought over things, vehemently shook his head as if throwing it all off.
He suddenly felt ridiculous himself.
To seriously consider such nonsense.
-It’s a bluff.
-That guy is making unbelievable boasts.
Rocard inwardly admonished himself.
As if soothing his anxiety.
“Sir Lisir. Is that correct?”
At that moment.
One of the Greater Black Magic Experts addressed him.
“I have heard of your fame. You solved the ‘problem’ of the Grey Tower and were recognized as an Honorary Mage, is that right?”
Problem.
At that meaningful remark, Lisir was quite surprised and raised his eyebrows.
The problem he referred to must be the Tulan incident, but the Tulan incident was a kind of classified information that was not disclosed to the outside world, as it was something to boast about for himself who solved the problem, but a kind of shame from the Grey Tower’s perspective.
The Greater Black Magic Expert showed a little pride and smiled at Lisir’s reaction.
“Regardless of anything else. I am striving not to fall behind, especially in matters related to Greater Black Magic. I have no intention of acting recklessly and tarnishing the honor of the Grey Tower, so please don’t worry. The reason I brought this up is to show respect for your achievements. I am very interested in your ability to solve the Tower’s problem.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
However.
In the middle of a heartwarming conversation, the Greater Black Magic Expert added that, making his expression serious.
“Sir Lisir. I must convey this clearly. There is a huge difference between facing a Black Mage as a mage and approaching their power from the same perspective as a Black Mage.”
The Yellow Mages who had been watching their conversation from the side nodded.
In fact.
The Yellow Tower also understood the circumstances under which Lisir was recognized as an Honorary Mage.
The fact that he had apprehended a Black Mage who had infiltrated the Tower, as well.
Nevertheless.
They did not consider Lisir to be a Greater Black Magic force worth being wary of.
As the Greater Black Magic Expert had said, there was a huge difference between simply apprehending a hidden Black Mage and understanding and approaching their knowledge.
Apprehending a Black Mage is simply a matter of dealing with that Black Mage.
However, what about the deciphering of the Black Magic knowledge that makes up the dungeon, including the Barrier Breaking?
If it went wrong, the investigation team could suffer great losses.
“Therefore, I will ask you this despite the disrespect. The method of Barrier Decipherment. Or the direction. You said you found that out━ could you clearly explain the basis of that judgment?”
Ultimately, his statement was aimed at the same point as Rocard’s.
That a friend who made it told him.
What nonsense is that, Lisir?
The Greater Black Magic Expert’s eyes were trembling slightly.
“Now, now. Let’s stop there.”
At that moment, Rocard intervened between them, claiming to mediate.
“Sir Lisir must have his reasons for saying that. What good will it do to question him like this? Let’s stop here, considering Sir Lisir’s position.”
It sounded quite polite-
But the content dismissed Lisir’s statement as nonsense.
Should it be called an attitude of defending an incompetent person?
Thus.
Rocard tried to escape the situation with his usual deceptive behavior.
Yes, escape.
Rocard’s intervention in their conversation was not solely to treat Lisir as a fool.
He was subtly feeling anxious.
Lisir’s boastful, nonsensical speech.
The anxiety that perhaps this was not a sign of foolishness, but a manifestation of confidence.
The events that had taken place until now were swirling in Rocard’s mind.
In that memory, Rocard thought he was deceiving Lisir.
However.
What if it were the other way around?
What if he was the one being played, and the other party was secretly laughing at him?
Rocard’s usually handsome face, which produced a humble smile, flushed slightly red.
Blood vessels subtly protruded below his neck.
The Golden Divinity experienced something he had never experienced in his life-
A humiliation that was unbearable to endure, even just imagined.
“Isn’t that so, Sir Lisir?”
Rocard, unwilling to fully accept that humiliation, subtly showed off.
As if all these actions were for the other party, not himself.
“Oh, my. Interrogation? You don’t have to say that much. It’s a legitimate question.”
A polite yet somewhat mischievous smile.
That was Lisir’s reply.
The crack appeared in Rocard’s humble smile.
Because he vaguely knew that he had a similar expression when he looked at the object of his deception.
“Above all, proving my qualifications here is fulfilling the expectations you, Sir Rocard, have placed on me, isn’t it?”
“Expectations…”
Until just now, for Rocard, Lisir was nothing more than a youngster perfect for teasing.
Naturally, he would never have any expectations.
But Rocard couldn’t say anything.
“Because Sir Rocard trusted me and requested it from the Grey Tower. Isn’t that right?”
The move he had made to pressure the Grey Tower was now backfiring on Rocard.
Rocard couldn’t understand.
How did his attempt to completely seize the justification by using the Grey Tower’s mistake turn out like this?
‘No, no-‘
Rocard forcibly stopped the negative thoughts developing.
Saying that he was overreacting.
That a friend who created a branch of Black Magic told him about the barrier.
How is that possible?
Surely, Lisir will utter embarrassing nonsense.
Rocard believed that and once again produced a humble smile.
Unlike usual, a very stiff smile.
“…That’s right. I reiterate, but our Yellow Tower has high expectations for the Grey Tower, especially Sir Lisir. If you are alright with it, please.”
Rocard gestured.
Lisir readily agreed.
“Do you see here?”
Lisir pointed to a specific part of the magic circle.
“This signifies ‘Burning Black Fire’, and it means that this magic circle is based on that power. As I see it, this seems to be a kind of barrier magic. If an unauthorized person enters, the aforementioned Black Fire will burn the target.”
“Burning Black Fire…!”
The Greater Black Magic Experts showed their astonishment at that name.
Because it was the alias and symbol of a High-Ranking Demon with immense power.
Rocard gestured to them, demanding an explanation.
Rocard, having understood the situation, unconsciously let out a chuckle.
If their words were true.
Lisir had not only deciphered the difficult Black Magic Sigil on the spot-
But in the process, he had received help from his friend, the ‘High-Ranking Demon’.
“Sir Lisir. I dare to ask cautiously, but do you perhaps worship that demon called Burning Black Fire?”
His humble smile seemed quite cheerful for something cautious.
In this situation where the other party had to admit to being a Demon Worshipper to prove their ability, how could he help but laugh?
The Yellow Tower acted swiftly.
They showed their caution towards the Grey Tower.
“Grey Tower! Explain yourselves! You’re harboring a Demon Worshipper in the Grey Tower!?”
The Master of the Yellow Tower interrogated them in a sharp tone.
That became the trigger, and a sharp tension began to flow in the room.
-This impudent worm!!!!!
It was a voice that broke the tension.
Their gazes turned to the desk.
A greyish-white ball of fire was flickering there.
-Who does Master serve!!! Master is merely an existence that reigns majestically!!!
What is it again.
That spirit.
It was the moment someone had such a thought.
Whoosh!
“…!”
The Black Magic Sigil spread out on the desk.
Black flames were superimposed on it.
-I!!! I swear in the name of Dangaleon, the warm light that envelops all things!!! Master is a more noble existence than anyone, and the terror of all impure beings!!! Those who doubt Master!!! Shall be purified by the inextinguishable Black Fire━ no, the divine flames!!!
How should one accept the demon’s guarantee?
Such minor questions were put aside.
“Good heavens.”
The Greater Black Magic Experts were astonished, as if they would lose their breath.
“That… spirit with pure energy… is it really that Dangaleon…?”
How did that High-Ranking Demon become a pure spirit?
And how did it come to serve a mere individual?
They couldn’t even guess.
They looked at the greyish-white ball of fire and Lisir alternately.
That astonished gaze gradually changed to one of awe.
“Please, may we continue to hear your opinions!?”
They neatly forgot their original purpose.
The reason they were here, the existence of their employer, was no longer in their minds.
Their eyes were only filled with the mysterious spirit and its master.
Soon.
Having regained their senses, they spoke to Rocard.
“Sir Rocard! Racheta! In this dungeon investigation, regarding matters related to Greater Black Magic, you should simply follow Sir Lisir’s opinion!”
“…!”
Racheta readily nodded, swept away by their presence.
And Rocard.
‘To control a demon as a spirit… what…’
He, who was as shocked as the Greater Black Magic Experts, was trembling with even greater humiliation.
It became clear this time.
Lisir.
The fact that it was he, not himself, who was deceiving.
“I am glad to be able to live up to your expectations, Sir Rocard.”
Lisir looked at Rocard and showed a very humble smile.
It was the moment the Grey Tower was included in the joint dungeon investigation team.
✦✦✦
If the Yellow Tower analyzes the information received on the spot, that organized information will be sent back to the spot and used for the dungeon investigation.
The dungeon investigation was carried out in such an organized manner.
Lisir felt mixed emotions.
Should he be relieved that he did not directly experience the dangerous place that is the dungeon?
Should he regret not being able to directly experience the interesting place that is the dungeon?
Anyway.
Lisir decided to be happy.
-Good heavens. Lisir. What did you do? The Yellow Tower suddenly gave such a significant right. Did you use Charm Magic?
Because he had protected the Grey Tower’s rights from the Yellow Tower’s high-handedness.
Lisir obtained the position of “Overall Greater Black Magic Advisor” in the joint dungeon investigation team.
This meant that the Grey Tower had gained a rightful position in this matter.
The Grey Tower expressed great joy at this achievement, which was accomplished in a precarious situation where they might even lose the justification they had barely managed to hold onto.
Especially-
-You should have seen the expressions of those Yellow Tower guys then…!
-Those Yellow Tower guys showing such a pathetic sight in front of our Grey Tower!
-It’s only natural. After all, their Tower doesn’t have Lisir, does it?
-Hahaha!
Some Masters who had suffered from the contempt of the powerful Yellow Tower were almost shedding tears of joy.
As time passed.
Lisir visited the Yellow Tower’s residence where the investigation was underway, along with Master Melthas and Didoa.
“Thank you again, Sir Rocard. To open up such an opportunity for our Tower! Surely, from Sir Rocard’s fair standpoint, you must have felt doubt about the unfair situation where our Grey Tower was not receiving proper treatment. Isn’t that right?”
“…”
Rocard, who had unexpectedly become a hero who saved the Grey Tower from the Yellow Tower’s tyranny.
Various gazes were directed at him.
The Grey Mages looked at him with warm eyes-
The Yellow Mages looked at him with uneasy eyes.
He had so much to say.
It was an expression that lamented the reality that he, as the disciple of that Golden Star, could only endure.
“And! Such swift and meticulous preparation that we can immediately start the dungeon investigation! Thanks to this, our Grey Tower only needs to bring our bodies! This is also a consideration to reduce our burden, isn’t it?”
It wasn’t.
That swift preparation was to deprive the Grey Tower of time to respond.
But.
That intention, as Lisir had said, had become a consideration to reduce the Grey Tower’s burden.
Once again, the uneasy gazes of the Yellow Mages were directed at Rocard.
“Ahem. Let’s stop there, Sir Lisir. You’re flattering me too much, it’s rather embarrassing.”
“Oh… how humble. As expected of Sir Rocard.”
That gaze, as if genuinely considering Rocard a good person!
Rocard suppressed the urge to gouge out his eyes and calmed himself.
He earnestly hoped.
That before the investigation ended, an opportunity to avenge this humiliation would come.
Soon, Racheta, the leader of the White Iron Guild, arrived.
Her expression, weary from her journey, brightened like the clouds parting when she saw Lisir.
“Sir Lisir! Thanks to your advice, the investigation team passed through the dungeon entrance, safely entered the interior, and secured a base!”
“Oh! Already? As expected of the White Iron Guild!”
“Don’t say that! It’s all thanks to Sir Lisir!”
It wasn’t a lie.
Racheta, having experienced various dungeons as an adventurer, knew what the most troublesome obstacle was when encountered in a dungeon.
It’s Black Magic.
Even the most skilled experts, when encountering Black Magic in a dungeon, would inevitably have their dungeon strategy halted.
Some even had to give up their dungeon strategy altogether.
But.
The moment Lisir intervened, that burden of Black Magic disappeared cleanly.
When they used the method he had taught, the Black Magic Barriers guarding the entrance and various parts of the dungeon completely stopped functioning.
Furthermore.
The fact that this achievement was accomplished in just one day further encouraged her.
The dungeon investigation was a huge undertaking for the Adventurer’s Guild, it could be said that the guild’s fate depended on it.
While the investigation was underway.
The guild had invested most of its manpower in the investigation.
That is.
Every moment and day of the investigation was money and resources.
The shortened work period due to Lisir’s quick problem-solving!
With that alone, the White Iron Guild was already in a situation where they had gained enormous profits.
Racheta was so happy that even the businesslike atmosphere created in official settings was blurred.
Her face looking at Lisir!
It wouldn’t be strange at all if she kidnapped him to a tavern right then, saying, “Hey, brother! Are you free today? No, make time!”
“Sir Lisir’s performance! The White Iron Guild will never forget it!”
“No.”
“Yes?”
“I am merely representing the Grey Tower in this matter.”
“…Ah! That’s right! The Grey Tower!”
He even attributed the merit to his affiliated group.
Racheta’s gaze deepened at his mature behavior, which was unbefitting of his age.
The Yellow Tower was not in her mind.
“Ahem. Racheta? It seems Sir Lisir is uncomfortable.”
Rocard, unable to bear it any longer, spoke.
By now, the humble appearance he created had almost disappeared.
“Ah! Look at my mind! That won’t do. To waste your precious time.”
She immediately presented the newly received information from the field.
“The most noteworthy element this time is this.”
“That is…”
It was a silver key whose luster had faded, yet its appearance was extraordinary.
Large size and thick thickness.
And the red jewel at the center of its body.
It was an item that could be considered a treasure rather than a key.
Nevertheless.
It was clearly a key.
“According to our investigation, it seems that this is the key to the deepest part of the dungeon.”
“Master Didoa. Do you feel it?”
“…Yes, slightly. Lisir. How about you?”
“…”
Lisir nodded at Melthas and Didoa’s words.
The key━ to be precise, the vast energy contained in the red jewel was clearly felt.
The opposing Yellow Tower showed a similar reaction.
Rocard spoke.
“Magical power is inherent in the jewel. It’s quite a vast energy━”
Racheta nodded.
“That’s right. Therefore, we request the assistance of the Tower, the essence of magic, once again.”
Her gaze was fixed on Lisir.
What kind of amazing work will he show this time!?
Her expression was that of a woman in love.
“This time, let the Yellow Tower take the lead.”
Rocard, unable to bear it any longer, spoke forcefully.
“In a situation where we don’t know what kind of danger there is, we can’t make Sir Lisir bear that risk.”
It’s too much for you, but not for me.
That was the meaning contained in his humble tone.
Also, Rocard’s eyes held a gleam.
It was a gaze filled with a strong expectation and determination to make up for the previous humiliation.
“Ah! That’s good! It’s just in time.”
Racheta responded favorably, looking at Rocard.
She took out another key.
“Then, will the Yellow Tower take charge of analyzing this key?”
“…”
It looked similar to the previous key, but the jewel embedded in its center created a subtle difference.
Rocard was particularly concerned about the ‘relatively small size’ among those subtle differences, but he tried to ignore it.
Afterwards.
They discovered one fact during the process of investigating the key.
“Using the power contained in the key will move you somewhere. Only one person, though.”
At Melthas’ statement, the gazes of those present moved busily.
“Then, I will represent the Yellow Tower.”
Rocard immediately raised his hand.
His gaze was subtly directed at Lisir.
As if provoking him.
“Then, I will represent the Grey Tower.”
“Oh? Sir Lisir. Are you alright? This may be an issue where Black Magic knowledge cannot be used. Don’t overexert yourself, you can leave it to me. I will try my best not to burden Sir Lisir, despite my shortcomings.”
-It’s too much for you, so leave it to me?
Rocard spoke in his characteristically ‘humble’ manner.
“No. The fact that our Grey Tower could participate in this investigation is entirely thanks to Sir Rocard giving us the opportunity. I must strive to live up to those expectations.”
“…”
Two ‘humble’ gazes collided.
A moment later.
Rocard hastily drew out the power contained in the key, as if trying to get ahead of Lisir.
The two disappeared from the spot, one after the other, drawn by the power of the key.
✦✦✦
“This is…”
Rocard looked around.
It was a corridor of a mansion.
The windows were blocked and the lights were off, but the brightness was maintained to ensure a certain degree of visibility.
At that moment.
A bright light caught Rocard’s eye.
The key still clutched in his hand was emitting light.
The light seemed to be guiding Rocard to the other end of the corridor.
“Sir Rocard?”
“…!”
A voice heard while his attention was captivated by the light.
Rocard was startled and turned his body to the right.
Lisir was standing there.
“…How reassuring!”
He uttered insincere words.
“It seems this key leads to the same space.”
“That’s right.”
Lisir’s key, like Rocard’s, was emitting light.
The light seemed to be guiding Lisir to the other end of the corridor, in the opposite direction from Rocard.
“But unfortunately, it seems that we cannot travel together.”
“That’s right.”
“…”
At that moment.
Rocard had a good idea and wore his characteristic sinister smile.
Hoo.
He sighed weakly.
“Actually, I’m quite worried.”
“Sir Rocard?”
“Although I confidently stepped forward in front of my fellow Tower members… my heart isn’t the same. This situation is unfamiliar, and I’m worried, and also scared.”
He said, making an uncertain smile.
“So, Sir Lisir. It may be an unreasonable request, but if the situation is resolved, could you come to help me immediately?”
“Understood. I will do my best to support Sir Rocard as quickly as possible.”
Lisir spoke confidently, full of determination.
Rocard inwardly made his characteristic sinister smile at Lisir’s appearance.
He couldn’t be happier with the confidence Lisir showed.
That’s because.
In the end, he would be the one to solve the situation first and go to help the other party.
Will he maintain that confidence even then-
Will he maintain his attitude?
Rocard was pleased with the opportunity for revenge that had finally arrived.
“Then, please. Stay safe.”
“Sir Lisir as well.”
Rocard consciously went into the corridor a beat faster than Lisir.
To where the light of the key led.
“Is this it.”
The end of the corridor.
An open room without a door awaited Rocard there.
“Armor…”
It was the first thing that entered Rocard’s sight when he entered.
An armor ornament with a sword held in reverse was standing in the center of the room.
The red jewel embedded in the armor’s chest caught Rocard’s eye.
It was because it was the same jewel embedded in the key.
Clang.
“…”
Rocard, who had been closing the distance to the armor, stepped back.
The armor moved.
The darkness inside the helmet seemed to be taking shape and watching.
By now, it was not the light of the key but the jewel of the armor that was guiding him.
The jewel emitted a strong energy, yet it was empty.
As if asking to fill that emptiness with magical power.
Rocard vaguely understood.
‘Infusing the jewel with magical power and controlling that energy to dominate the armor━ is that what the owner of the key should do?’
Rocard already had a cheerful smile.
Golden Star.
If one were to name the specialty of the Golden Divinity who inherited his Unique Magic, it would undoubtedly be ‘Object Control’, which controls and manipulates the energy of objects.
Rocard turned the pouch he took out of his pocket upside down.
Golden powder scattered, and it formed a shape.
Golden blades.
They rushed towards the armor at Rocard’s gesture.
Clack!
Clack clack!
The golden blades dug into the armor’s joints, controlling its movement.
Creak-
The struggling armor.
Rocard closed the distance with leisurely steps and reached out to the jewel.
Thus.
Just as he was about to completely control the jewel’s energy-
“…!”
Ting!
A strong metallic sound rose right in front of Rocard’s eyes.
His artifact had sensed its master’s crisis and activated.
The golden powder that had leaped out of Rocard’s possession was forming a shield.
To block the sword the armor had struck.
“What…!”
He couldn’t follow the armor’s movements at all.
If it weren’t for the artifact, he would have already been pierced by that sword.
Realizing this, Rocard felt the hairs on his body stand on end.
✦✦✦
At the same time.
“Armor?”
Lisir, having arrived at the room at the end of the corridor, was facing the armor ornament.
Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
Three armor ornaments.
They greeted Lisir from each direction.
They took a stance to confront the mage.
Swish!
Lisir drew his sword.
“…”
“…”
“…”
They stopped moving for a moment.
✦✦✦
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