Chapter 120

“The mock battle wrapped up yesterday, huh?”

It was early morning the day after the mock battle, and the Dean of the Military Department, Berge Erkazhan, called in everyone involved in Ulan’s situation.

After a not-so-brief wait, the personnel gathered in the Dean’s office.

But there was a hitch.

One person was missing, more than expected. Berge frowned as he noticed the absence and immediately asked, “Where are you all? What about Dean Diplyn?”

“He applied for leave two days ago.”

“What? Leave?”

“Yeah, apparently he has some personal research to do.”

Just when you need someone, they’re off gallivanting.

Berge’s frown deepened, but it didn’t last long.

Blaming someone who wasn’t there wouldn’t solve anything, he thought.

“Huh, got it. Let’s move on with the meeting then.”

The one tasked with organizing the situation was Professor Ethan.

He detailed everything he witnessed in the mock battle, leaving out not a single detail. Moments later, Berge’s face went pale as he asked, “You’re telling me he used Aura during the match?!\”

“Yes, I saw it with my own eyes.”

And it wasn’t just Ethan who saw it.

Stella saw it too, along with several other professors and every student in the spectator seats.

“What on earth was he thinking? What was the reason?”

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that.”

He hadn’t spoken to Ulan yet.

Just then—

“Uh, this is just my thought,”

Stella raised her hand gently and spoke carefully.

“The barbarians in the Eastern Jungle sometimes engage with their full strength, even if it’s to someone they have an advantage over. Maybe it’s something similar?”

Based on her past experience serving on the Eastern Front, she made an educated guess. Berge nodded, considering it a reasonable theory.

But that thought didn’t last long.

“Still, that’s incredibly reckless.”

He sighed again.

“If it gets out that a mere student reached a level of mastery, it could cause quite a stir…”

It was only natural for Berge to sound frustrated. Ulan’s impulsive actions were about to throw the military’s plans out of whack.

Right after Berge finished his point, Ethan and Stella spoke in unison.

“He probably didn’t know.”

“He seemed completely oblivious.”

Because it was Ulan, after all.

That simple reasoning made Berge shut his mouth. The thought that Ulan might genuinely be that clueless lingered.

After a brief silence.

Berge redirected the conversation.

“Anyway, we’ve got the situation, so let’s drop the reasons for his actions.”

What mattered wasn’t that right now.

What was urgent was a solution.

Figuring out how to overcome this hurdle and achieve the desired goals was the main concern.

“Is there anyone among the professors who isn’t from the Empire that has made contact with Ulan or attempted to?”

“None so far.”

“What about among the students?”

“I believe that’s a no as well.”

At least there was that small mercy.

Berge quietly sighed in relief, but it was still too early to let his guard down.

“Still, we can’t let our guard down.”

“Right. It’s only a matter of time before contact happens.”

“Before anyone from other countries tries contacting Ulan, I think we need to bring him in and have a talk.”

“Hmm, a negotiation, huh…”

Berge let out a low groan.

It seemed like a tricky situation. Just then, Stella raised her hand again.

“Uh, Dean.”

“What is it?”

“Didn’t Lord Gorphant mention he had some secret plan to recruit Ulan?”

In the past, after the incident with the Abyss Worshippers, Seoric Al Gorphant, one of the Empire’s Five Masters, mentioned that it would be wise to figure out Ulan’s goals first and then tailor the recruitment strategy around that.

He had even offered to take on the recruitment himself. Remembering that conversation, Berge nodded silently.

“That’s right. He did say that.”

“Then if we use that plan…”

Stella’s face lit up.

But Berge shook his head. “Unfortunately, that’s going to be tough.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because he’s not here right now.”

After announcing Seoric’s absence, he sighed again.

“Lord Gorphant has headed to the Imperial Palace.”

“W-what? The Imperial Palace?!”

“Why the sudden trip to the palace…?”

“The investigation into the incident at the Source of Magic, Zone 2, has recently been completed.”

The incident in Zone 2 referred to the time the Abyssal Rift opened, and monsters poured out.

Afterward, the academy had organized an investigation team to scrutinize the site of the incident, which only concluded recently.

Two reports, both finished at the same time.

Each destined for the military and the Imperial Palace.

And the person tasked with delivering those reports was none other than Seoric Al Gorphant, the Marquis.

Why would a figure of high nobility choose to take on the role of a messenger? To convey information that wasn’t explicitly written in the report.

“I see. He’s on a mission to deliver the reports…”

“Well, that’s a problem. In that case, we’ll have to hold off on the recruitment until Lord Gorphant returns.”

“Right. So for now, instead of recruitment, let’s discuss ways to prevent foreign professors from making contact with Ulan as much as possible.”

Let’s buy some time until Seoric finishes his business and returns to the academy.

With a clear goal set, the three began exchanging ideas.

2.

Before the sun rose, a light illuminated the dark Imperial Castle. It was the office in the mansion where Crown Prince Chartang of the Rubens Empire resided.

The source of the light was the top-notch Magic Light embedded in the ceiling. Below stood a middle-aged knight clad in armor.

“So far, that’s the news from the East.”

Saxen Yul Orden.

One of the Empire’s Five Masters and the strongest knight known as the Sword of the Imperial Family. He bowed his head toward the man sitting opposite him.

With blonde hair and reddish-brown eyes, there sat a man with a flat expression—the master of the office, who would soon become the ruler of the Empire.

Crown Prince Chartang.

“Next, what’s the news from the South?”

“Exactly, Your Majesty.”

Saxen answered respectfully.

It was quite a sacrilegious response.

For Chartang was still just a Crown Prince.

But two months prior, after declaring he would become the Emperor, Saxen had maintained the title of “Your Majesty.” Chartang didn’t seem to mind.

“First, here’s the report from the Southern Front. The situation there remains stable, and it seems the Cultists are not showing any suspicious activities.”

It was primarily a report about the political situation inside and outside the Empire.

Saxen’s report included a list of factions that could pose a future threat or might have nobles worth recruiting.

“An unusual point is that the Commander of the Southern Front, Count Deorg, has applied for a long leave instead of returning to the battlefield.”

“A long leave?”

Chartang’s face changed.

As far as he knew, Count Deorg had never taken a day off before.

“Is there a special reason for this?”

“Well, he mentioned he gained some insight from a duel with a 0-class management target at Arsen Academy and wants to focus on personal training for a while.”

Count Deorg’s name triggered a change in Chartang’s expression again. Memory stirred; that was yet another name he recognized.

That of a 0-class management target.

The military had designated this individual, and as far as Chartang knew, there was currently only one.

“You’re referring to that barbarian.”

“That’s right.”

The one who defeated Count Deorg.

Moreover, the barbarian who also bested Marquis Gorphant, Ulan Bator. Chartang narrowed his eyes as he recalled his presence.

“What’s the status on recruiting that barbarian?”

“I’ve heard Lord Gorphant is preparing a recruitment plan dedicated to him.”

“And he hasn’t made contact with other factions?”

“No, not that I’ve heard.”

A concise answer.

Chartang smiled with satisfaction.

“Then I’ll tell him to proceed with planning as soon as possible. We can’t afford to let him slip away.”

“I’ll convey that.”

Saxen bowed his head politely.

He was well aware of the importance of this matter.

If they succeeded in recruiting Ulan, they could plant the Empire’s flag in the midst of the northern prairie without shedding a single drop of blood.

‘And that’s not all.’

Both the Savage Blade and the Loyal Blade.

They would also be able to claim Ulan, who had defeated two powerful foes.

Then they could plant the Empire’s flag in not only the Southern Desert but also the Eastern Jungle. This might even enable a challenge for unification of the continent someday.

With grand ambitions in his heart, Saxen continued the report.

“That concludes the news from the South. Next, I’ll relay updates about Arsen Academy.”

“Arsen Academy?”

“Specifically, the Source of Magic.”

At the mention of the Source of Magic, Chartang’s eyes sparkled with interest.

It was understandable; reports on such topics didn’t come up often.

“The report was submitted by Marquis Gorphant, and its main focus is the incident that took place last month at the Source of Magic in Zone 2.”

From Professor Dirck’s magic overload transforming him into a monster, to the opening of the Abyssal Rift, and pouring forth countless monsters afterward.

Saxen calmly recited the content of the report. After all the reports were finished, Chartang wore a somewhat displeased expression.

“Hmm, the Abyss…”

It was hard to wrap his head around.

Wasn’t the mention of the Abyssal Gate something out of an ancient tale or legend?

Could such a thing truly exist?

Chartang’s eyes seemed to question just that. Seemingly noticing this internal struggle, Saxen continued with the new report.

“Moreover, it seems that this incident has caught the attention of the Holy Nation.”

“Oh? The Holy Nation?”

“Yes, they say a divine oracle has been issued.”

At that moment, Chartang’s gaze shifted dramatically.

“Tell me more.”

It was the word “oracle” that sparked his curiosity.

Simultaneously, Saxen continued his report.

He detailed the contents of the oracle and shared news that an investigation team composed of students from Eloden Academy had been dispatched to Arsen Academy.

After hearing the whole story, Chartang’s expression hardened into stone.

“…This is not something to take lightly.”

Sending an investigation team meant the Holy Nation regarded the matter with utmost seriousness.

And the fact that an oracle had been issued was no trivial matter.

Assessing the seriousness of the situation, he collected his thoughts and spoke again.

“What exactly is this Abyssal Monster?”

“The report states it is far more dangerous than a demon beast. And…”

“And?”

“I’m afraid it contains some sacrilegious words…”

“Don’t hold back, say it.”

As always, Saxen was a stickler for formality.

Chartang urged him to go on with urgency.

Finally, Saxen had no choice but to utter the irreverent words.

“If all the Abyssal Monsters were to emerge into the world at once, then it’s said the Empire’s existence could be put in jeopardy.”

“…”

That was indeed quite a shocking revelation.

To think the Empire’s mere existence might be at stake.

Had someone else made such a statement in jest, they would likely have faced severe consequences.

‘But…’

This was a report commissioned by Marquis Gorphant.

One of the five masters of the Empire, after all.

For such a figure to phrase it that way, it must mean the matter was both critical and severe.

Chartang, with a serious face, continued pondering. Just then, as if a thought had struck him, he turned to Saxen and asked.

“Wait, then, was it just the Marquis who held off the monsters that came from the Abyssal Rift?”

“Officially, yes.”

In other words, the truth was different.

Just as he was about to ask again—

“Here’s the list of those who were present at the scene.”

Saxen preemptively provided the information.

The list included the names of three individuals apart from Marquis Gorphant. The name that immediately stood out was none other than “Ulan Bator.”

“That barbarian seems to be in on everything.”

Chartang laughed heartily.

As if it were the most amusing thing.

Then Saxen continued his report.

“The Marquis stated that Ulan Bator played the biggest role in this incident.”

That was high praise indeed.

And rightly so. Ulan had defeated Marquis Gorphant in one-on-one combat.

So it was only natural he’d outshine the Marquis’s efforts.

“Additionally, he even mentioned that without Ulan, they might not have been able to craft the report.”

“What? So that means…”

“If the Marquis had faced the Abyssal Monsters alone, he probably wouldn’t have made it back alive.”

Both Saxen, continuing his report, and Chartang, listening closely, froze.

According to Gorphant’s report, the Abyssal Monsters were strong enough to threaten even a master’s life.

These weren’t some mythical beasts from a long-lost legend.

No one had ever heard of such monsters existing.

A serious silence enveloped the room when a voice broke the tense atmosphere.

“Your Majesty.”

It was Saxen, speaking with a serious face.

“Would it be alright if I brought something up?”

“What is it?”

“It’s about the 7th Princess.”

Fertisha Eve Al Rubens.

The Empire’s hidden princess, who was also Chartang’s half-sister he cherished deeply.

“Even with the objective of hiding her away, I worry that sending her to Arsen Academy at such a time might not be the best option.”

Upon hearing this, Chartang realized what Saxen was getting at. Therefore, as soon as he finished, he shook his head without hesitation.

“That decision stands.”

“Your Majesty. But…”

“While it’s undeniably dangerous, as long as she stays away from the Source of Magic, it will be fine. It’s certainly far safer than the imminent battlefield.”

Firmly answering, Chartang’s eyes sparkled with determination.

“Plus, Fertisha is my only weakness. It’s only right that she stays at Arsen Academy until all enemies are dealt with.”

With those words, his resolve was set.

Realizing he couldn’t change the Crown Prince’s mind, Saxen bowed his head in compliance.

Just then, Chartang opened his mouth again.

“However, having learned of such an incident at the Source of Magic, I can’t just sit idly by.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Let’s form a new investigation team.”

A report by itself wasn’t enough.

More evidence was needed.

“Especially concerning the reality of the Abyss and the material proof that the Abyssal Monsters pose a significant threat to the Empire.”

Securing this evidence would serve as grounds for conscripting nobles’ private armies. At the same time, it would present an opportunity to strengthen imperial authority.

Though, there was one thing to be cautious about.

‘Arsen is a neutral zone.’

According to international treaties made with the Kingdom Alliance, armed forces could not be sent there at all.

The fact that the Holy Nation sent students from Eloden Academy was likely due to this very reason.

After hearing this condition, Saxen responded with assurance.

“I happen to have a suitable candidate.”

“Really? Who is it?”

“Count Dermore.”

“Dermore, you say…”

“D’muehl Ron Dermore. He currently oversees the Magic Tower and has even served as a professor at Arsen Academy.”

A perfect fit for leading the investigation team.

Chartang’s face relaxed a bit.

“Where’s the Count currently stationed?”

“In a neutral position.”

“Neutral?”

“Yes, though there were records of attempts to contact the 3rd Princess in the past, the Count has maintained a neutral attitude all this time.”

Being neutral held a certain appeal.

With a content smile, Chartang nodded as if he had reached a decision.

“Alright. Let’s proceed with that.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Saxen bowed politely.

But the reports were far from over, so he continued with updates from other regions.

Saxen’s reports went on until the sun shone high in the sky.

3.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

The faculty dining hall of Arsen Academy.

This place was typically off-limits to students, but today was an exception.

The higher-ups had specially granted access for the post-party of the friendly mock battle that concluded successfully yesterday.

However, a slight issue did arise.

“Huh? Why’s there so few people?”

Ivella looked puzzled.

She was staring at the list of student reservations placed at the entrance, which consisted of the participants from the friendly mock battle.

Similarly, Ulan tilted his head as if puzzled.

“Weren’t there twenty-four?”

Considering each side had twelve players, twenty-four seemed like the right number.

Yet, only ten names appeared on the list.

Meaning, more than half of the participants chose to skip the post-party.

“It looks like all the student council members are absent.”

Noa mumbled with a bored tone.

Well, that was to be expected.

They probably found it awkward to meet after their stunt, not to mention the council president was in the hospital.

“But the Eloden side is a bit surprising.”

Delia chimed in as well.

At least Arsen had some decent attendance. Everyone but the student council had their names on the list.

But Eloden was a different story.

Only two of the twelve participants bothered to show up. As they contemplated this fact with puzzled expressions—

“Hello, everyone.”

“Looks like everyone’s already here.”

A familiar voice rang in their ears.

It was the two Eloden participants just mentioned—

Laurea and Ian.

Chapter 29. The After-Party

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