Chapter 264 - Infinite Mage

"To be precise, it's Alpheas Magic School," Gaold stated with a palpable irritation. Even though he had become a wreck plagued by sporadic lapses of memory, there was a memory he could never forget, one so vivid it whipped his mind and body with torturous clarity. Gaold leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, etiquette long abandoned. He heard Gangnan's sigh, but paid it no heed. "I'll think about it. For now, go back," he said. Ordon's expression morphed into one of disbelief at such an unexpected response. "Think about it? Do you think I came here just to ask you personally? This is about cooperation between states. As far as I know, even Prince Adolf has already given his consent..." Gaold's facial muscles contorted grotesquely, as if possessed by a demonic spirit, reflecting two opposing extremes simultaneously. "Did you think dropping the king's name would make me bow? Adolf? Who does he think he is? Without my permission, no one passes." The air grew hot, and the objects in the hospitality room began to tremble as his murderous intent clashed with the restraint he exerted, creating a psychic wave that moved objects. This was a level of fortitude far beyond human limits. Even Gangnan could only swallow her trepidation, unable to intervene. Ordon experienced a hallucination. The hospitality room disappeared, leaving behind only himself and Gaold amidst hellish flames. The acrid smell of sulfur filled the air, and from beyond the fiery barriers came the cries of tormented souls. What kind of life has this man led? He had encountered numerous people considered the harshest in the world, yet none had instilled such fear in him before. 'They were right when they said Toromia's Magic Society Head is a madman...' It made sense why Gangnan, despite brawling with numerous nobles, remained unexiled from the Society. The head of the Society was a uniquely deranged individual who defied comparison. "Get out. Before I kill you." Realizing that Gaold was not lying in the slightest when he referred to his own king disparagingly, Ordon screamed and fled the hospitality room the moment the hallucination vanished. A trail of urine marked his path down his trousers to the floor. Reality could not be undone; thus, the hospitality room was enveloped in a heavy silence. Once Gaold's murderous aura subsided, Gangnan took Ordon's seat and spoke. "Was all that really necessary? You could've sent him off nicely." "He was a rotten bastard. You found it satisfying too, didn't you?" "Well... I can't deny that." Gaold took out a cigar and lit it with a snap of his fingers, conjuring a flame. In a Society where magical control apparatuses were operational, Gaold alone wielded such magic. "Investigate the dimension of the maze? He might as well stick his neck out and invite a blow to the back of the head." "But what truly happened? If there really is an issue with the maze's dimension, Tromia should be the first to show anomalies." "Possibly. It's still unmanifested. You mentioned those tongue beasts appeared in Cubelin, right? That's where an ancient coliseum once stood." "What does that signify?" "It's not a living entity. More of... a concept. That concept crossed over and settled in an area dense with human thoughts. That's the hypothesis." Gangnan nodded willingly. If Gaold said so, it was as good as the truth. None in the Valkyrie's top brass had insight into the maze and the heavens comparable to Gaold's. "Why is this happening?" "No living entities crossed over. The most likely theory is cracks of a certain threshold forming in the maze's dimension. The maze should be able to recover from that. But it won't hold out for long." Gaold leaned back, holding the lit cigar between his fingers, the pungent smoke filling the hospitality room. "Gangnan, you need to go," he instructed. Gangnan straightened her back, putting both hands on her knees. "Command me." "Soon, similar incidents will occur here as well. Investigate them all. Focus on areas where ancient thoughts are likely concentrated—ancient sites, coliseums, castle ruins." Noting down Gaold's directive in her notebook, Gangnan stood up and headed for the door. Conducting the mission solo meant no need for carriage arrangements, ensuring she could respond swiftly regardless of where in the kingdom incidents surfaced. "Oh, and while you're at it, make a trip to Creas too." Gangnan turned back just before opening the door. "You mean where the magic school is? Anything you want to convey to Alpheas?" Gaold tapped on the sofa, pondering. Though early, if there were issues with the maze's dimension, there was no time to lose. It was time to execute the plan he had dedicated his life to. "Meet with a child named Shirone." --- **Second Outing (1)** Upon arriving at the Karmis estate, Shirone straightened his attire and proceeded through the archway of the main gate. Behind the white iron fences stretched Karmis's distinctively free-spirited garden. The vigilant guards, with their piercing gazes ever-watchful, remained unchanged. True to form, as Shirone approached, one guard reflexively moved his right hand to the handle of the sword sheathed at his waist. "Halt. What business do you have here?" The difference this time was the use of honorifics. Guards at noble estates typically changed shifts every four hours, and their posts shifted monthly, so it was unlikely the previous guards were still stationed there. Yet, the reason they dared not act aggressively towards Shirone was the uncommon demeanor he exuded, different from common miscreants. In his year at the magic school, Shirone's appearance had shed much of the impression of a rustic youngster. Particularly, the depth of mental prowess honed through practical experiences and training was so pronounced that even guards unfamiliar with magic sensed his aura. "I'm Amy's friend. Is she inside?" The guards exchanged puzzled glances before signaling to each other with their eyes. Half a year ago, Shirone had breached the male-restricted sanctum that was Amy's room. However, since that day, no one claiming to be Amy's boyfriend had been allowed entry, so it was only natural that the guards, unaware of past events, were skeptical. "We don't have any scheduled visitors today. If you have business, you'll need to go through the proper channels," the guard informed him, just as Shirone had expected. Shirone clicked his tongue in mild disappointment and turned away. He had hoped to get in straight away if he was lucky, but things turned sour, leaving him no option but to write a letter and send it to the estate. "Let him through," came a familiar voice from inside the main gate. When Shirone turned back, there stood Adele, the Karmis family's butler, with a gentle smile on his face. The guards instantly stood straighter, for to them, who lived alongside Adele, his benign appearance was as formidable as the harbinger of doom. Adele, leaning on his cane, crossed the gate and stopped before Shirone, gazing into his eyes keenly. Recalling their encounter from half a year ago, Shirone braced himself. The power of the gaze—Pressing—was something he had first experienced with the Karmis family’s butler. Adele likely hadn't used his full abilities back then, so Shirone had to stay on guard. Yet Adele didn't employ any technique. Instead, he simply bowed deeply, offering a respectful greeting. "Welcome, Master Shirone." Caught off guard and momentarily dazed, Shirone quickly collected himself and bowed in return. "Yes, have you been well?" "Haha, an old man's days don't change much. You've come to see Miss Amy, I presume?" "Yes, I apologize for coming without notice. Is she home?" Adele scratched his eyebrow, looking slightly troubled. "You're aware of the situation, I presume. Miss Amy hasn't been feeling well lately, probably due to that. Miss Seriel visited the other day, only to leave shortly after." "Oh, I see." Seriel was Amy's closest friend. For her to be turned away suggested Amy was quite serious. Still, Shirone wasn't ready to give up. "Please just let her know I'm here. If she still doesn't want to see me, I'll leave." Adele hesitated for a moment before nodding. The atmosphere in the mansion had been turbulent since Amy's graduation exam mishap. She wasn't the type to outwardly show frustration, so everyone was merely tiptoeing around her, unsure of how to console her. But perhaps Shirone might bring a change. After all, he was the only male friend allowed to freely visit Amy's home. "Understood. Please wait a moment." Adele instructed the guards to treat Shirone courteously and then boarded a carriage waiting in the garden. 'It’s been about half a year. What on earth has he been through?' As the carriage started, Adele’s expression grew serious for the first time. Testing the resolve of men approaching Amy with Pressing was both a duty and a minor amusement for the butler. But this time, he hadn't even dared to attempt it. Shirone's mental state was far sharper than before. No, sharper wasn't enough to describe it. 'Eerie.' Trying to engage him with Pressing, locking eyes had sent an unsettling chill down his spine. Overall, Shirone’s nature hadn’t seemed to change much. He was still the clever, bright, and kind-hearted boy he met six months ago. Yet the aura emanating from his eyes was subtly different. ‘Something else resides within him. Something monstrous…’ Such an understanding was reserved for someone of Adele’s caliber, the butler of a prominent family like Karmis. He couldn't guess what it was, but challenging Shirone would certainly unleash it upon him. In that fleeting moment their eyes met, Adele realized something drastic would happen if it came forth. It was a ferocious, extreme entity. 'Is it safe to let him in? Of course, he wouldn’t visit a friend with an uncontrollable rage seething inside...' Adele decided to hold off judgment. There was no way he knew something the head of the household, Shakora, didn’t, let alone the subject himself. With those thoughts, a bittersweet smile crept onto his face. ‘...Truly an extraordinary boy.’ How long had it been since something had rattled him, however briefly? Shirone had sealed that presence within the depths of himself. ‘He’s grown even stronger over six months. Remarkable talent, indeed.’ The Karmis family was famed for their prodigious lineage. Even among them, Amy's talents were unmatched. Yet Shirone's growth defied all expectations. If Amy was the fastest human sprinter, Shirone’s stride was that of a giant of another dimension. ‘What is it that drives him?’ The carriage halted, ceasing Adele’s thoughts. Carrying questions without answers, he opened the mansion door. Though the graduation exam had ended some time ago, a solemn atmosphere still clung to the estate. For Adele, who cherished the colorful ambiance of the Karmis household, it was a challenging adjustment. "Master," he addressed. Shakora, who had been reading a newspaper, looked up. "Young Master Shirone has come to see Miss Amy. However, she’s informed the staff she's not receiving any visitors…" "Hmm, Shirone is here?" Shakora understood Amy's feelings. A daughter who prided herself had mishandled her graduation exam, leaving her humiliated. Yet, with Shirone, there might be room to gauge her intentions. Although Seriel had been rejected, the dynamics between a man and a woman’s feelings were inherently different. From the kitchen, Isis chimed in. "I’ll ask Amy first." Ascending the staircase, Isis went into Amy's room on the second floor. A moment of quiet conversation passed before she returned to the railing, shaking her head. That was enough to convey Amy's decision, and Adele bowed with understanding. "Then I will see that Young Master Shirone departs." "No, let him come in." Isis showed a worried expression at Shakora's directive. "But dear, Amy..." "It's fine. I did tell Shirone to come visit when we met at the school, didn't I? Sending him back would be discourteous. I want to meet with him. Let him in." "Understood." With the thought that at least Shirone wouldn't be disappointed, Adele's expression brightened as he stepped out of the mansion. Ten minutes later, Shirone arrived at the estate. Shakora was seated on a sofa waiting for him, and right on cue, Isis entered with a tray of tropical fruits. Shirone approached Shakora, bowing his head. "Hello, Father." "Well, glad you came. Have a seat." Shirone took a seat on the sofa, waiting for the conversation to begin. Having heard about the strained atmosphere in the household upon entering, he refrained from bringing up Amy right away. Like Adele, Shakora too immediately noticed the subtle sharpness in Shirone's demeanor. During the graduation exam period, he was too preoccupied with concern for his daughter to scrutinize deeply, but now that his daughter had failed, as a parent, he had become interested in Shirone’s achievements. ‘The kingdom’s most promising prospect...’ Of course, the assessment excluded the graduating class. Yet even including them, he doubted Shirone's evaluation would diminish significantly. Though he hadn’t shared it with Amy, Shakora was an enthusiastic father who went so far as to scrapbook articles about the events in the magic society once she enrolled. The name that rang in his ears was Dante. When Shirone had defeated Dante, the top student in the kingdom, even Shakora was astounded. But now, upon witnessing it firsthand, it was clear it wasn’t mere luck or fortune. Within the contemplative eyes of the boy who had achieved spiritual enlightenment flickered a yearning that transcended the mundane. While Adele had referred to him as a monster, Shakora had a different viewpoint. That was Shirone as well. ‘It’s not something that can simply be acquired. Could it be a latent trait that was unearthed through circumstances? But how?’ He had heard the accounts of Shirone’s tumultuous experiences in Kazra Kingdom. Yet even these tales seemed too prodigious for an eighteen-year-old to grasp and harness. Realizing there had been a prolonged silence, Shakora smiled wryly, returning to the doting father he was. "She's not truly that unwell." "Yeah, I kind of figured." He had suspected as much. But he hadn't thought of it as a lie, because it might suggest her state was more severe than merely physical ailment. Shakora scratched his head, as if at a loss. "To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. She doesn’t seem particularly troubled, but she does appear somewhat despondent. You’d understand, wouldn’t you?"