Chapter 231 - Infinite Mage

"Please, perform the demonstration. Just by showcasing it to the nobles, the impact will be immense. It's an opportunity to sway the neutral faction to our side." Shirone swallowed hard, holding back the tears that threatened to fall. Since Orkamp wasn’t crying, he figured he shouldn't either. "Did you really think I'd just comply if you put it that way?" "Quite the opposite. That's why I'm considering making a proposal. Previously, you mentioned wanting to return home. Does that thought still hold true?" "No, it's not just a thought. I want to go back even more now." Orkamp remained unbothered by Shirone's sarcastic tone. "If you agree to perform, once the parentage verification is complete, I'll send you home. Attend the magic school or do whatever you wish. If you don’t want to return to the royal palace, you don’t have to. What do you say?" Shirone couldn't easily dismiss this proposal. Experiencing the royal palace firsthand had shown him that returning home wouldn't be as simple as he'd initially thought. In such circumstances, Orkamp's offer was indeed tempting. "But in that case, you won’t be able to use Ataraxia. Eventually, you'll need me, so how do you plan to persuade the ministers?" Orkamp felt a hint of unease as if his true intentions had been uncovered. His proposal to perform had a far greater purpose than merely attracting the neutral faction. Arius believed that seeing Ataraxia could lead them to figure out a method for replication. Once replication succeeded, Shirone would no longer be needed. In fact, it would be better if he left the palace for both his and his family’s sake. "That's why we need a covert agreement. To the ministers, we'll announce that you'll return after graduating from the magic school. Was it a year? In the meantime, I’ll eliminate the Theraze faction. After that, we each will go our separate ways." In essence, if the Theraze faction wasn’t eliminated, the deal would be null and void. But Shirone nodded as if it was an expected risk. As long as he was guaranteed just a year, it didn't matter if the promise was kept or not. He had already planned to relocate once he graduated from the magic school. A slightly longer move was no issue. At least until he could build enough power to not be swayed by the monarchy, it seemed a viable way to live. "Who will be attending the demonstration?" "The word has already been sent. All high-ranking nobles are expected to gather. They’re anticipating a grand show." Shirone looked at Orkamp with sad eyes. "You knew from the start I couldn’t refuse, didn't you?" "Shirone, it's a proposal you requested three days ago. I’ve merely given you the justification to consent." Orkamp maintained his cold demeanor to the end. Yet, thanks to him, Shirone regained his composure. Not for Khazra, but for the sake of his family. "Understood. Call me when the preparations are complete. I need to go meet my 'parents' now." He felt like storming out, knowing Orkamp wouldn’t reprimand him for it. But Shirone maintained his courtesy as he left the room. Orkamp was the king of a neighboring nation. @ Arriving at the lodging, Shirone first checked on his parents' well-being. They had dark circles under their eyes, likely from the sleepless night. Although Olina forced a smile to avoid worrying him, her face was pale as a sheet. Even for him, who had learned magic, his heart was pounding, so for her, who had lived her entire life without harming anyone, this was an overwhelming burden. ‘I’m sorry, Mother.’ Amy greeted Shirone without pretending to be cheerful or tense. She simply offered a bitter smile and raised her hand in greeting. From her demeanor, Shirone felt a deep camaraderie. Reina, who had been in a meeting with the attendants in the adjacent room, welcomed him warmly. "You’re here, Shirone. We’ve been waiting." Despite the exhaustion evident in everyone else, Reina was brimming with energy. Truly, she seemed at home with the atmosphere of the royal court. It was refreshing to see this new side of her, but at this moment, it didn’t uplift his mood. It wasn’t that he resented her. However, having entrusted his family’s safety to others and feeling like a fool for a day left him feeling bitter. "I’ve returned from meeting Orkamp." Reina's expression stiffened. From Shirone’s icy voice and his casual reference to the king by name, she could sense the extent of his anger over the situation. "I’m sorry I didn’t inform you earlier. But I didn’t want you to worry...” "I understand your reasons. But everyone was in danger." Reina gulped. It was the expression she had only seen once before, when Shirone was genuinely furious. Facing it firsthand, her heart felt frozen. Did his father feel this way back then? "It’s secure now. Security measures have been tightened. I’ve requested the guards to further enhance...” "You should have told me." Reina's mouth clamped shut like a shell. Amy, who had been watching silently, let out a sigh. ‘I told you we should tell him.’ This was the result of underestimating how much Shirone loved his family. Yet, truthfully, Amy wasn’t in a position to say anything. Even though she anticipated Shirone’s reaction, she had adhered to Reina’s judgment because ultimately, Reina’s approach was the right one. Considering how angry Shirone was now, had he known at the time, the situation could have spiraled out of control. Shirone undoubtedly understood this, which, in the end, made Reina’s decision correct. Vincent, unable to hide his awkwardness, tried to console Shirone. "Shirone, Reina had no choice. Moreover, she consulted with us and made an informed decision. If you want to be angry, direct it at me." Shirone lowered his head. He knew this from the start. He was just angry. His family was under the threat of assassination, his biological parents seemed obsessed with Ataraxia, and now even Reina, it seemed, had sidelined him—leaving him feeling unbearably forlorn. "I'm sorry. I know Reina saved us all. It's just... I was so frustrated, I couldn't help it." Reina detected a faint quiver in Shirone’s voice. What could Orkamp have said to leave the usually resolute Shirone so distraught and worn? "No, it's my fault. You had every right to feel upset. Keeping you informed was my responsibility too. From now on, I'll make sure to report everything." As Shirone managed a smile, Reina felt a wave of relief. Indeed, he was most beautiful when he smiled; seeing him sad was something she wanted to avoid at all costs. To leave the royal palace safely, they had to remain emotionally detached. Even if faced with the same situation, Reina would make the same decision again. Once the emotional tension between them subsided, Amy inquired, "So, what did you discuss in the audience chamber?" "Well, basically..." Shirone recounted Orkamp’s proposal. After pondering it thoughtfully, Amy nodded. "Hmm, it's a decent offer, assuming they keep their word." "It doesn’t matter. I’ll have to move once I graduate anyway. We'll deal with the rest later. So, I decided to accept the proposal." "I guess that makes sense. I'm in a similar position." The concept of a 'home' for nobility was fluid, as they relocated based on their duties. Amy's brother, Diane, served as the head archer in the royal palace, and her other brother, Ares, an explorer, was known for traveling to remote areas—his current whereabouts were uncertain. Globally, the employment rate for magicians was around 80%, with a 99% job rate. The disparity was due to certain magicians refusing job offers. The competition was fierce, so most graduates moved to the capital, Vashuka, for jobs or to prepare for licensing exams. If those efforts failed, studying abroad was a common alternative. Although Creas had magical institutes, Shirone had no desire to end his magical journey in a provincial city. He hoped to rise to a fifth-class licensed magician someday, potentially securing a deputy position at the Creas branch of the Magic Association, but he had many ambitions for the present. The Alpheas Magic School, as a state institution, granted graduates a non-professional tenth-class magician certification. With a certification, guild work was accessible, enabling one to live without purchasing a residence—freedom of movement ensured. Living like that might eventually lead to settling down when he found the right connection. Supporting Shirone’s resolve, Amy clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Alright! If you're going to do it, let's do it right!" @ The Colosseum was situated two kilometers north of Khazra's royal palace, on a basin. Once a grand arena where gladiators clashed with beasts, while nobles placed bets, it now lay dormant due to the palace's financial constraints. The uncleaned sand was stained with blood. Despite workers’ efforts to sweep it away, the red traces remained indelible. Nobles arrived with their escorts, and Amy and Reina also took their seats on the third-floor stands. Orkamp, understanding Shirone’s feelings, had allowed his parents to attend, but Olina's frail condition led to the decision for her and Vincent to remain at the lodging. Shirone waited in the Colosseum's underground waiting room for the event to begin. Around him, exercise equipment and sandbags used by champions lay scattered, with various weapons displayed on shelves. As the iron door of the waiting room opened, Zion and Woo Rin entered. Woo Rin , unfamiliar with the underground room, glanced around curiously. Shirone no longer welcomed anyone. After learning about last night's events, everyone seemed like an enemy. Zion approached with a swagger and commented, "Truly a desolate place. What were the warriors waiting here thinking? Not to be devoured by lions? Or perhaps planning to break through that door and escape?" "No, they vowed to defeat their enemies. That was their only path." Zion smirked crookedly, knowing mere words could not match a magician. "Hmph, still as talkative as ever. What’s the point of this clown show? Did your father promise to make you a king someday?" "I’ve told you clearly—I’m not interested." Zion ignored Shirone and turned away, leisurely walking along the walls and taking in the room. The day's demonstration was unexpected, even for him. He hadn't anticipated Orkamp's sudden, decisive move. It indicated their urgency on the matter. Circling back to Shirone, Zion made an intriguing proposal. "I’ll help you get home." Shirone responded with puzzlement. "What are you talking about?" "You said you’re not interested in the position of the Crown Prince, right? This demonstration offers you freedom. I can give you that. No matter how you escape Khazra's eyes, you can't avoid Theraze's. They operate globally. But if I help you leave? Khazra will be mine, and you will be free. It’s mutually beneficial, isn’t it?" The offer was enticingly sweet, yet not easily accepted. Queen Theraze had positioned Zion to devour Khazra, ensuring Orkamp and Eliza's deaths. Cutting off the royal lineage was essential for future plans. "What do you want me to do?" "It’s simple. Ruin the show. Whether it's about the Archangel’s abilities or whatever, just sabotage it. Then tell the nobles the rumors were exaggerated, that your success was a fluke, and that such magic is beyond someone like you." Shirone seemed to understand and nodded. Today's demonstration is a political spectacle. Whether the nobles believe the lie or not, once you surrender, the game is over. What truly weighs on his mind, however, is the thought of Orkamp's and Eliza's deaths. Is that something he can really accept? No matter how they abandoned him, they at least let him live. Does he have the right to repay that tiniest bit of kindness with death? "I need to think about it. No, give me time to consider." "As much as you need. In any case, your answer will be revealed at the Colosseum. No matter which choice you make, Khazra ultimately comes to me. Make a wise decision." Shirone heard the sound of Zion exiting, but his thoughts were too entangled to focus on it. If he assists Orkamp, he will be pursued by the Theraze faction for life. Yet, siding with Zion would result in the deaths of Orkamp and Eliza. 'What am I supposed to do? What on earth do they expect from me?' Woo Rin, who had been preparing to leave after retrieving her pet cat wandering around the waiting room, offered Shirone a farewell. "Hang in there." Shirone looked up at Woo Rin with lifeless eyes. She likely sensed his dilemma but offered no advice beyond those words of comfort. He tried conveying his urgency through his desperate gaze, but she only tilted her head and smiled, as if oblivious. Shirone cast his gaze downward in resignation. What exactly was he hoping for? Was there truly anyone in the palace who could aid him? At that moment, Woo Rin sighed. "Sigh." And in a calm, composed voice, she asked, "Do you wish for my assistance?" Shirone looked up again. Woo Rin was as beautiful as ever, yet the bright aura she exuded just moments ago had vanished. "Of course, I could assist." Woo Rin took a few steps back, as if to redefine the space between them. "But I might not. The key is the rationale. Consider a billionaire with ten billion gold. They could easily spare one gold to anyone, but they don't. Not because they're stingy, but because there's no rationale. Once you give one gold away without reason, you must give one to everyone. You lack that rationale. You must create a compelling reason for me to assist." "What should I do, then?" "That, too, is up to you. You might lose much during this demonstration. Yet, it's also an opportunity to gain something far more precious. I hope you make a wise decision." Woo Rin turned toward the door after speaking. The beautiful smile Shirone had hoped for did not appear. Left alone in the waiting room, Shirone pondered over her words, decoding the implications at this final moment of decision. 'That’s it.' To lose much referred to the material loss incurred by relinquishing the crown prince position. Conversely, to gain something precious spoke of preserving Orkamp's and Eliza's lives. If Zion were to become king of Khazra, the rationale for Woo Rin to support him would materialize. In essence, she was implying: assure the safety of your biological parents and hand the royal power over to Zion. ‘Alright, that’s good enough for me.’ Shirone resolved to sabotage the demonstration. Orkamp might be disappointed, but he would ultimately be saving his life, fulfilling his duty as a son. The lamp on the ceiling lit up, accompanied by the blaring of a siren. With his thoughts organized, Shirone stepped into the lift embedded in the wall. As he pulled the switch, the lift clanked and ascended to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, all he saw was the enclosing darkness and the iron bars set ten meters ahead. Though the sunlight was faint with the sun yet to set, long-gone champions once stared into the blazing midday sun, clinging to the hope of life. The iron bars lifted, and Shirone walked to the center of the Colosseum. Zion's description of it being a clown show was accurate. The multitude of eyes targeting him made him feel naked. The target was set in the direction of the setting sun—a makeshift, decrepit wooden board, seemingly a desperate last resort. Strike it with magic? If this was an attempt at mockery, it was effectively executed. Imagining the politicking that must have taken place over selecting a target made him chuckle. "Now, we will conduct the verification of the Crown Prince candidate's qualifications." A verification of the Crown Prince candidate's qualifications, indeed. A suitable pretext to put on a clown act. Shirone paid Orkamp his respects and spoke up. "Your Highness, magic is a formidable force. If mishandled, it might damage property. I want to seek your understanding first." He implied that the precious target might be destroyed, a veiled rebuke to those mocking him. Orkamp quickly caught on and backed Shirone's intention. "Worry not. The target is merely for show. Demonstrate your abilities, and anything will suffice." Shirone relished the feeling of having given them a taste of their own medicine. But, ultimately, that was the extent of what he could do. Feeling a twinge of self-reproach, he turned toward the target. As everyone held their breath, he focused and cast Halo. The bright, star-like light anchored in the space, moving slowly to form a massive circle. The bigger, the better. He had learned from Amy, following his duel, that the Halo could shock those sensitive to magical auras. Surely, someone here would be affected. It might prove futile resistance, but failing to attempt it meant losing the chance for any unforeseen variables to emerge. When the Halo finally took shape, a resplendent, radiant ring appeared. Amy quickly surveyed her surroundings. First, Reina winced at the pressure emanating from the Halo, indicating a significant degree of magical sensitivity. Conversely, the nobles remained indifferent. Positioned at the pinnacle of power, most nobles fell within the administrative ranks, distant from the realms of Schema or Spirit Zone.