Chapter 215

Chapter 216. The Cause and Solution to All Problems (2)

Denison, born as the son of an ordinary farmer, awakened his talent as a mage by chance…

“I won’t listen to your story for more than a minute.”

At Keter’s firm words, Denison sighed and briefly summarized his life.

“I became a disciple of Maknose and learned how to make scrolls. While making them, I thought I could simplify the process, so I started researching, and that’s how ‘Sticker’ magic was born. I thought this Sticker Magic was as groundbreaking as scrolls, but my master disagreed. He criticized my Sticker Magic, calling it a cheap imitation of scrolls.”

“Stickers and scrolls don’t resemble each other at all.”

“That’s exactly what I said! I did get the idea from scrolls, but Sticker Magic is fundamentally different! But my master publicly branded me as a plagiarist, and the Mage Association fired me based solely on his word! I survived, but I was never given the chance to research Sticker Magic again. Hehehe…”

Denison laughed and cried as he recalled that time.

“My life was pretty much ruined. After being fired from the Mage Association, no one would hire me. No matter how much I protested, saying it was unfair and a misunderstanding, it was useless. After that, I felt so wronged. So, I stole it.”

This place is a remote area located at the border between the southern and western regions. It’s not only uninhabited but also has treacherous terrain.

Could it be possible for humans to build ruins underground in such a place?

Yes, if you have money.

A lot of money.

Denison, who looks poor at first glance, couldn’t have had that kind of money to build these ruins. Soon, the secret was revealed.

“I stole my master’s scrolls and sold them. The only two 8th-circle scrolls in the world.”

“8th-circle scrolls?!”

At the mention of 8th-circle scrolls, even Keter, who rarely shows surprise, was shocked.

8th-circle magic is comparable to or even surpasses the power of Prime’s authority.

In theory, 8th-circle magic can deal a fatal blow even to an 8-star Irregular.

It was the first time Keter had heard that such powerful magic existed in scroll form, but what was even more incomprehensible was that Denison had stolen and sold them.

“Old man, you stole and sold 8th-circle scrolls, yet you’re still alive?”

“Hoho… I worked under Maknose for 10 years. Almost unpaid, at that. He made me do even the most trivial tasks. He even made me act as a butler. That’s when I found out about the existence and location of the 8th-circle scrolls.”

“Don’t tell me Maknose still doesn’t know? That would make sense.”

Denison nodded obediently in affirmation.

“Actually, when you arrived, Keter, I thought you were an assassin sent by him after realizing the 8th-circle scrolls were gone. It took me 7 years to complete these ruins, so if I’m still alive now… I guess Maknose has no idea I’m here.”

“…Huh?”

Keter felt something was off about Denison’s words.

Of course, this place is extremely remote and hard to find, but Maknose had lost 8th-circle scrolls.

Even 7th-circle scrolls are traded for hundreds of thousands of gold, and 8th-circle scrolls would be worth at least 3 million gold. That kind of money could turn the entire continent upside down.

But Keter didn’t sense any signs of pursuers passing through on his way here.

‘Seven years ago. Even if a bounty was spread across Eslow’s direct territory, it wouldn’t be strange. But there was none.’

Something was strange. Maknose’s response seemed too lax for someone who had lost 8th-circle scrolls.

But Denison didn’t seem to be lying, so Keter thought there might be some story behind Maknose’s actions.

“Anyway, because of Maknose, I couldn’t research Sticker Magic or show it to the world. So, I stole the 8th-circle scrolls, sold them, built these ruins, and planned to pass them on to future generations… That’s the conclusion.”

“…If I hadn’t stolen the 8th-circle scrolls, I could have lived as a teacher in a quiet village, barely making ends meet. But now, I can’t even do that. If I go out into the village, I’ll be caught immediately. I’d rather be executed than captured by a Great Sorcerer…”

Brrrr!

Denison shuddered at the thought of the horrific ‘human experiments’ that would be conducted on him.

“I don’t have the courage to live in hiding forever… I’d rather die here. Sigh… At least I got to meet you, Keter, and leave behind some last words… I’m just grateful I could vent my grievances to someone.”

Denison had given up on life.

But that was only because he had no ‘hope.’

“Old man. You keep saying you’re going to die, you’re going to die, but deep down, you’re hoping, aren’t you? That I’ll save you.”

“…That’s nonsense. I know you’re strong. But that strength only applies to me. You can’t defeat Maknose, let alone the Mage Association, can you? Even if you were an Upper Noble, you wouldn’t want to make an enemy of Maknose.”

Denison vaguely understood. Keter’s confidence was clearly well-founded, and with that level of confidence, he must be an Upper Noble.

But his opponent was a Great Sorcerer and the founder of scrolls. Even an Upper Noble wouldn’t easily step forward.

“But what if I’m from a prestigious family?”

“A prestigious family…?!”

Denison’s face lit up at the mention of a prestigious family.

The prestige of a prestigious family name was immense. Even if the opponent was a Great Sorcerer, even if the Mage Association was behind him!

“Let me reintroduce myself. Keter, the Solver of Sephira.”

“Oooh! Seph…ira?”

Denison exclaimed in admiration, but then his expression quickly soured.

“Sephira… that archery-famous Sephira…?”

“What’s with that look? You’re looking at me like Sephira isn’t a prestigious family.”

“…I don’t know much about the world, but I do know that Sephira is the weakest of the prestigious families.”

The Sephira family can’t protect me from Maknose, Denison’s face clearly showed that he thought so.

“Tsk, old man. You’ve been living underground, so you don’t know yet, but the times are changing. The world is changing.”

“Huh?”

“Do you know about the Southern Sword Tournament?”

“Of course. It’s a tournament to determine the strongest knight among the young knights of the south.”

“I won. Sephira’s Southern Palace.”

“…!”

“Don’t be surprised. Soon, there will be a party hosted by our Sephira, and the direct descendants of the Browning Duke House and Princess Iris will attend.”

“What?! The infamous Browning Duke House’s direct descendants and the noble princess?!”

Denison looked at Keter with suspicion, wondering if he was lying. Keter leaned in close to him.

“Do I look like someone who would lie to someone like you?”

“N-no. You wouldn’t make a lie that would be exposed as soon as I went to Sephira. But… why are you helping me? May I ask the reason?”

“By now, even a clueless old man like you should have noticed…”

“You like me, don’t you?!”

Smack!

A flick landed squarely on Denison’s forehead as he leaned in, moved.

“First rule, don’t interrupt me. And it’s not that I like you, it’s that I like Sticker Magic.”

“Ugh.”

Even though it was just a flick, Denison was on the verge of passing out.

“Answer.”

“Ah, understood. I won’t interrupt again. I’m just grateful that Sephira recognizes the potential of my Sticker Magic.”

“Huh? No, no. Let’s get this straight. Old man, you’re not joining hands with ‘Sephira.'”

“Huh…?”

Keter placed a hand on Denison’s shoulder and spoke in a low voice.

“Sticker Mage Denison. I invite you to join the secret organization ‘Arkana.'”

* * *

“A secret organization, Arkana?! I-I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s a secret organization. If you knew about it, that would be a problem.”

“So, you came to invite me not as a member of Sephira’s bloodline, but as a member of the secret organization Arkana?”

“That’s right. But Denison. You will work under Sephira. Understand?”

“…!”

“You’ll stay at Sephira, but we, Arkana, will provide all the support. Funds and people. Speaking of funds, how much do you need? For researching Sticker Magic.”

“Uh, um…”

Denison had already calculated the necessary expenses for his research. But he couldn’t bring himself to speak easily.

‘The budget I have in mind is 100,000 gold per year. But if I ask for such a large amount right away, they’ll doubt my abilities.’

Everything was sudden for Denison, but he knew that this moment was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“50,000 gold. If you can provide 50,000 gold annually… I swear loyalty to Arkana!”

“Huh? 50,000 gold?”

As Keter sighed, Denison quickly changed his words.

“N-no! 30,000! 30,000 is enough!”

“Denison. It seems you don’t understand the situation. Let me explain it to you again. You’ve been unhappy your whole life, right? Do you know why?”

Denison’s mood quickly turned gloomy. As Keter said, his life had been miserable. He had never had a smooth time. Until recently, he had seriously considered ending his own life out of despair, so there was no need to say more.

“Because I’m a pathetic person…”

“Wrong. The correct answer is, to meet me today.”

“…?!”

“Our Denison. Do whatever you want. 50,000? Do you think that’s enough? 500,000 gold. I’ll provide it all at once.”

“500,000 gold at once!!”

Denison’s jaw dropped. Even 50,000 gold was an unimaginable amount, but 500,000 gold? His chin trembled.

“This is pure research funding. We’ll also provide all the manpower. If Sticker Magic reaches a level where it can be commercialized, we’ll share the profits from sales. Don’t worry about Maknose or the Mage Association. Arkana and Sephira will handle everything.”

“Hah, haha…!”

Smack!

Denison suddenly slapped his own cheek and muttered.

“I must have actually hanged myself and died, and this is all a dream… I never knew the illusions before death could be so sweet…”

Then, this time, Keter slapped Denison’s other cheek.

Smack!

“Gah!”

“Doesn’t hurt for a dream, does it?”

“Gulp, it’s not a dream!”

Denison, holding his swollen cheek, spoke with a happy face.

“I haven’t heard your answer yet, but let me make it clear. Will you end your life here, or will you take revenge on Maknose as the founder of Sticker Magic?”

“Of course, I want revenge! I’ll crush that damn master’s nose! I’ll prove you wrong!”

“Your enthusiasm is good. Then, from now on, you’re a member of Arkana.”

Keter took out a contract from the pouch Six Hundred was carrying, filled in the blanks, and handed it to Denison.

“It’s an exclusive contract. All ownership of Sticker Magic belongs to Arkana and cannot be transferred to anyone else. Any objections?”

“None. I’m just satisfied that Sticker Magic, which was supposed to be ruined, will make a name for itself in the world. But… is this the only contract?”

“Do you need another contract?”

“Like a pledge to keep secrets or something…”

“Ah, that? Not needed. You can go around boasting that you’re a member of Arkana. You can even say you work under me. It’s no big deal.”

“R-really?”

“But if that causes any disadvantage to me, things will change. Understand?”

“…”

“Old man, don’t be too scared. At worst, you’ll just be killed.”

“…I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

“Good, good. If you want to die, just go around blabbing.”

Denison shook his head quickly.

Who in the world would want to die? It’s just that living is too hard, so they think it’s better to die. Among those who live comfortably and happily doing what they want, there’s no one who wants to die.

Denison signed the exclusive contract with his blood.

Thus, Sticker Magic became the sole property of Arkana and Keter.

‘Of course, it remains to be seen when it can be used.’

Denison said it would take 8 years to optimize, but that was when the research budget was 50,000 gold per year.

With ten times that amount, 500,000 gold, and active support, Keter believed it would take at most a year to commercialize.

‘One year is already being very generous.’

Keter spoke as if 500,000 gold was nothing, but 500,000 gold was a huge amount.

Before Ultima Merchant absorbed Aleron Merchant, their annual profit was around 800,000 gold. That says it all.

‘If it weren’t for Ultima Merchant, this would be a dream.’

Sephira’s financial power alone couldn’t cover the research costs. But with Ultima Merchant, it was possible.

‘It was worth feeding Aleron Merchant to Ultima.’

Once again, most of life’s problems are caused by money, and the solution is also money.

In the distant future, Sephira might have to fight the entire kingdom. They might be outnumbered by hundreds to one.

When that time comes, they’ll need as many cards as possible. Only then can they hold on and have a chance to win.

Sticker Magic is a preparation for that time, and Keter believed it would definitely be of great help, so he thought it was worth investing time and money.

“When you go to Sephira, there will be a guy named Ultima. Explain what happened here to him. He’ll take care of it.”

Keter took out a business card, signed it with his blood, and handed it to Denison.

Denison, with a bewildered expression, asked.

“What about these ruins…?”

“Just leave them. There’s nothing of value here anyway, right?”

“I’ll just take the research materials and leave. One day is enough.”

“Do as you please. Then, I’ll be going.”

“Huh? You’re not coming with me…?”

Keter glared at Denison, who awkwardly laughed.

“Haha! You must be busy, right? I’ll make my way to Sephira on my own. It might be dangerous, but I am a fairly capable mage, after all.”

“If you don’t have that much guts, it’s not bad to just die here.”

“No! I’ll find my way to Sephira.”

“That’s more like it. My business here is done. Let’s go, Six Hundred.”

Keter left the ruins without looking back.

Denison stared into space for a long time after Keter left, then muttered.

“Is this a dream, or reality?”

Just yesterday, Denison had decided to end his own life. But suddenly, Keter appeared and offered him a lifeline.

A proposal so sweet and warm.

Of course, there were thorns, but if he was careful, it seemed he wouldn’t get pricked.

“…Now that I think about it, I didn’t hear how you found this place.”

Denison shrugged.

“What does it matter?”

Who Keter was and what Arkana was didn’t matter. The important thing was that he could finally start the research he had longed for.

And that he could take revenge on Maknose. Everything else was irrelevant.

Denison, with his typical mage mindset, and Keter, who understood the psychology of mages, made this persuasion possible.

* * *

Having acquired the first treasure, Sticker Magic, along with its creator, Keter moved on to his next destination.

It was a place where the second treasure, which could prepare for Princess Iris’s charm, was hidden.

It was an ordinary village in a mountain valley. A small to medium-sized village with about 300 households.

Located between large cities, the village had many inns due to its developed lodging industry, but aside from that, there was nothing special. Yet, it was here that Keter’s sought-after treasure was hidden.

‘Orpheus’ Mask.’

This mask, when worn and then removed, has the effect of charming everyone who saw the wearer.

Its effect is so powerful that it can turn a homophobe into a homosexual.

Of course, it wouldn’t come close to the charm of Iris, Lilian’s daughter, but the important thing is that it’s an artifact with charm abilities.

Keter thought that alone was enough. After all, he already had a resistance to charm.

‘But, now that I think about it, something feels off.’

After stopping by Jar Valley, Keter arrived at the village at night.

Keter settled on a hill overlooking the general store where Orpheus’ Mask was located.

He had no intention of entering the village hastily, not because it was heavily guarded or protected by magic. On the contrary, it was too defenseless.

It could be argued that the treasure was unknown and didn’t look like an artifact, so no one knew about it.

But Keter didn’t believe in coincidences.

‘Suspicious. How did I first find out that Orpheus’ Mask was here?’

Keter, who never let suspicious things slide, traced back his memories from his past life.

It took only a minute to recall everything, and within that minute, Keter’s brow furrowed.

Once wasn’t enough, so he went over his past life memories two, three times, and then let out a hollow laugh.

‘I think I was lured here.’