Infinite Mage

Chapter 76: The Return of the ArchMage (2)

Clank, clank.

While mulling over these thoughts, the sound of chains echoed from a cell at the end of the corridor. A man resembling a wolf appeared, catching the interest of the archmage.

He was different from those who rushed out of their cells without a thought. Moreover, the man was restrained not only with shackles but also handcuffs, which the archmage found appealing.

“Still one more left, eh? Did you hide your presence? Your Schema is quite impressive.”

The man, after glancing at the fallen prisoners, let out a resigned laugh.

“Heh, unbelievable. Do you know where you are? This is Inferno, the western prison. Planning a rebellion, are you?”

“Rebellion? Sounds like fun. Will you join?”

The man nonchalantly shrugged.

“If it gets me out, why not?”

“You must have heard, even if you didn't see. There's no freedom unless you can defeat me.”

The man sighed, lifting his arms constrained by handcuffs to scratch his head. His eyes, peeking through his forearms, shone sharply as he suddenly leaped forward.

His jump, overcoming the weight of the iron balls due to his impressive Schema, resulted in a direct hit to the archmage’s face with the iron ball.

"Master!"

Boom!

Landing with a surprised expression, the man bent his knees. Making such a sound from hitting a person was unexpected.

"Annoying magic."

The archmage remained unfazed. The side of his face hit by the iron ball was covered in a dark shadow, thanks to his Dark Skin magic that maximized the absorption of impact with dark magic.

"Not bad. You pass."

The archmage cast the Might of Darkness. Shadows rising from the ground gripped the man's shackles and handcuffs.

"Don't move. You might lose limbs."

Before the man could reply, the shadows formed into blades and spun rapidly, cutting off the chains without harming his skin. This was the essence of dark magic – limitless shape-shifting and delicate manipulation.

"Freedom suits you. Follow me. There's work to be done."

"What’s this about? I never said I’d join."

The man's smiling lips twitched slightly.

He knew the extent of his opponent's strength. But being dragged along like a cow would defeat the purpose of his escape.

"Money moves you, doesn't it? Help me, and you'll earn a fortune."

Mages being wealthy was common knowledge.

Moreover, the man was someone who would do anything for money, so there was no reason to decline.

"Heh, big money, huh? If the amount is mediocre, I’ll quit halfway."

With that, the man followed the archmage out of the prison. And thus, Inferno had one escapee.

Shirone's group rented an inn after gathering and organizing materials from the library. Two days of intense discussion helped them grasp the concept of the Photon Cannon.

"Why does mass exist?"

Without mass, nothing changes. A world where today is the same as yesterday isn't necessarily bad, is it?

Yet, mass existed from the beginning. As if the world was meant to be filled with new events.

"Mass isn’t weight. Weight is the force acting in the direction of gravity. There’s no direction in space. So, what is mass? Cohesion? But that doesn’t seem to fully explain it."

Nade asked,

"Then what do you think it is?"

The feeling was clear, but not distinct.

"Existence."

"Eh?"

"The proof that it exists in this space. Maybe that’s what mass is?"

Life is a code unique to living beings. Maybe mass is the true proof of existence for the entire universe.

"Hmm, sounds plausible. Like the will or breath of the creator."

Inspired by Nade's words, Yiruki snapped his fingers.

"Particle of God."

"Eh? What?"

"The Particle of God. Isn’t it good? Let's call the particle discovered by Shirone the Particle of God."

"Oh, not bad. Shirone, what do you think?"

Shirone nodded repeatedly. It felt as if the term wasn't just made up by Yiruki, but rather it perfectly fit what he sensed.

"I like it. And this is important."

"Right. A mage's omnipotence is connected to feelings. It’s best to use a name that resonates with you."

In that sense, the Particle of God was an excellent choice.

As the discussion wound down, Yiruki flopped onto the bed, tired from a day of studying.

"Phew, let's finish the analysis and return to school tomorrow. With classes resuming the day after, let’s be mentally prepared. Surely you haven’t forgotten the promise?"

Nade joined in,

"Of course. Climbing to class four this semester. We'll study like crazy now. Worst case, Shirone might graduate before us."

That might be possible.

What started as a joke was now a serious possibility on their faces.

Shirone could graduate first, given the significance of discovering the Particle of God.

"Shirone, you don’t plan to stay another year after graduating, do you?"

"Ha! What are you saying? In the current situation, I’m the most likely to break the promise. At least you guys are in the top ranks."

Though Shirone’s comment wasn’t wrong, the pace of his growth was enough to cause alarm. A student who didn't even know the Four-Way Formation six months ago was now contemplating graduation.

"I’ll study some more before sleeping."

"What? Then, me too!"

As Yiruki got up to study, Nade also took a spot at the table to begin.

Even if the world ends tomorrow, they'd rather study and play. Seeing his friends burning with scholarly passion, Shirone was touched.

'I've made good friends.'

Shirone was the last to open a book.

The Kingdom's Educational and Academic Association of Teachers.

The academic conference organized by the Association brought together professionals from all fields related to society and culture, including magic and swordsmanship schools, various religious orders, academic institutions, the Alchemy Foundation, and the elite group of 99 Artists. It was a venue where they all gathered to present visions for the kingdom.

Thadd attended as a representative of the Alpheas Magic Academy. The ongoing discussion on the pros and cons of rote education was driving him insane.

"Darn it. Don't these people ever sleep? Let's just go home."

He had reluctantly attended due to a draw but despised it thoroughly. Having been a notorious troublemaker since his school days, Thadd believed education had nothing to do with him, whether it was formal or informal.

The only consolation was the presence of attractive female teachers. Particularly, a woman sitting at the opposite round table caught his eye, with her wavy blue hair and playful nature evident even in formal attire.

"She's quite something. Reina Ogent, was it?"

A musician affiliated with the prestigious group of 99 Artists and a disciple of the Melodist Merhen, she attended as a guest artist.

The conference ended at 7 PM.

As the evening party hosted by the Association began, the heat of the discussions disappeared like a lie. Participants mingled, sipping wine and networking with peers from various fields.

Around Reina, particularly, were high-profile individuals, even recognizable to those indifferent to the Association.

"Poor beauty, always surrounded," Thadd thought as he waited for his turn to speak with her, overhearing their mostly authoritative or mischievous conversations.

Reina responded kindly to everyone with a friendly smile, which surprised Thadd. Her cheerful nature seemed at odds with the infamous reputation of the 99 Artists.

Art is a skill of handling emotions and thus wields influence over the public that even the powerful can't ignore.

Many artists, given the critical nature of art, were stubborn, but Reina appeared to be an exception, pleasantly mingling with people from all walks of life.

"If only Siena could be half as approachable as her."

While sipping wine with these thoughts, Reina, having finished her conversation, approached Thadd.

"Hello, Mr. Thadd."

"Oh, yes! Wait, do you know me?"

"Of course. You're a teacher at the Alpheas Magic Academy. The Ogent family's main house is in Creas."

"Oh, right. I forgot about that. Nice to meet you."

Their shared hometown brought a familiar warmth to their conversation, and they talked for a long time. As Thadd had guessed, Reina was lively and fun.

"How is Shirone doing?"

"Shirone? How do you know... Oh, right."

Recalling Shirone’s test, where he had written the Ogent family as his guardian, Thadd remembered.

"Shirone was a guest of the Ogent family. Indeed, a noble family with a keen eye for talent. He's doing well, although he recently got into a bit of trouble."

"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

Reina’s wide-eyed reaction made Thadd regret his words. Learning that a student sponsored by the Ogent family was under suspension could bruise her pride.

"Ahaha! Nothing serious. He’s just such an outstanding student that even minor things get blown out of proportion."

"Oh, I see."

Reina sighed in relief. From Thadd's description, she could imagine Shirone's life.

"It's good to hear he's doing well. Does he have many friends?"

"Absolutely. Popular with both boys and girls. Sometimes I even get jealous. Hahaha!"

"Really? Then, maybe..."

Reina paused, about to ask if he had a girlfriend, but shook her head. It was a legitimate question for a patron, but the inquirer in her heart wasn't just using the patron's name.

"Something on your mind?"

"No, it’s just good to know he's well."josei

"Haha! Don’t worry. I may be biased, but Alpheas is a prestigious school. You can trust us with his care."

"Huhu, right. I was overstepping, sorry."

"No, not at all. In fact, I've been presumptuous. How about joining me on a trip to Creas? I'm leaving in the morning. I'd love to treat you to lunch."

Reina politely declined with a hint of regret.

"Sorry, I have a concert schedule and need to return to Bashuka."

"Oh, that’s unfortunate..."

Thadd couldn't hide his disappointment. Usually, he'd let go easily, but she was a rare find.

"Can’t help it. But I'd love to see your concert. Could you let me know the schedule? I'll come to Bashuka."

"My, I'm flattered. Actually, I was worried. With the recent unrest in the capital, I feared many seats might be empty."

"Unrest in Bashuka?"

"An attack by a dark mage at Inferno, freeing a B-class fugitive. The capital is almost under martial law now."

"A dark... mage?"

Thadd's brow furrowed. It could be just another news story, but upon reflection, it was a rare occurrence.

Dark mages were scarce in modern times. And why attack Inferno, just for a B-class fugitive?

Dark mage, Inferno, B-class fugitive.

A scene from history flashed through Thadd's mind.

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