(2)
4.
With the slowly setting sun behind them, Class 3 of the first year made their way to the Source of Magic. The start was smooth, except for one person whose pace slowed as time went on.
“Huff! Huff! Phew!”
It was Noa, carrying a backpack.
Her face was as red as a ripe apple. It hadn’t even been 20 minutes since they started, and she was already in this state.
Excitement over the thought of obtaining a Hidden Piece had made her forget the Stamina Penalty imposed on ‘Noa Darshen.’
‘Ugh, I was too careless.’
If only I had thought more calmly and reduced unnecessary baggage. With belated regret, she took another heavy step when suddenly—
Whoosh!
The load lightened in an instant.
It felt like her body was floating in mid-air. It wasn’t an illusion. Her body was indeed dangling in the air.
“Is this heavy?”
Thanks to Ulan, who had lifted her backpack.
Finally freed from the heavy weight, Noa let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m just not strong, you know.”
“I know, but this is serious. You need to train.”
“I want to, but…”
Unlike Ulan, who was blessed with a robust physique, the Stamina Penalty she bore was truly harsh.
Just walking consumed five times more stamina than others.
But would training even help?
As she fell into gloomy thoughts, Ulan spoke up again.
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you train.”
“Y-you’ll train me yourself?”
“Yeah.”
A sudden wave of anxiety.
She unconsciously gulped.
“…You’re not planning to make me carry logs or something, are you?”
“That’s a bit too early.”
So you’re saying you’ll make me do it someday!
Noa quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, thank you. You saved me.”
“It’s nothing worth thanking me for.”
“But I’m really grateful.”
After her honest reply,
Noa clenched her fist.
“It’s not much of a repayment, but if you ever find yourself in trouble, I’ll definitely help you too.”
“Got it. I’ll remember that.”
Ulan nodded silently.
After moving for about ten more minutes,
a group of students came into view.
“Huh? Those guys…”
“They’re from Class 1, aren’t they?”
Class 1, who had finished their tour ahead of Class 3.
Meanwhile, Class 1’s professor spotted Professor Miel and immediately approached him, as if he had something to say.
While they paused,
someone from Class 1 approached them.
Step, step.
A dignified gait.
With her appearance, the surroundings quieted down.
‘Delia Arpen.’
The Princess of Arpen.
The Genius Mage of the Duchy.
With her entrance, the students, without exception, closed their mouths and stared at Delia.
Then, her steps halted.
The person in front of her was Ulan. Delia looked up at him and spoke in a curious tone.
“You’re out, unharmed?”
“Well, I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Jokes, not funny.”
A change appeared on Delia’s face.
A faint but clear smile.
“Are you okay?”
“I prepared in advance.”
Delia flicked her finger.
Soon, an opaque protective barrier enveloped her body.
I don’t know what that is, but it seems to be a magic that blocks shouts.
“Alright, everyone gather up! We’re heading back to the dormitory!”
Without even exchanging a few words, it was already time to part. Delia pouted her lips slightly but soon returned to her usual expression.
“See you later.”
With a farewell, Delia turned away.
As she disappeared, numerous gazes turned to Ulan. It seemed like they were wondering how he had become friends with Delia, with looks of surprise and envy.
Among them was Noa.
‘Well, the Sword Maiden is one thing, but…’
When did he get so close to the Witch of the Stars?
Noa’s surprise was natural.
Because Delia Arpen was that difficult and picky to deal with.
『A silver rose blooming proudly, surrounded by layers of iron fences. To the students, Delia Arpen was such a presence.』
Delia Arpen’s character introduction.
The Witch of the Stars was a notoriously hard person to befriend. Without looking up strategies, it was difficult to even build favorability.
‘But Ulan…’
He talked to her so casually.
Like he was just talking to a normal friend.
‘Could it be that they’re connected by some fate, destined to be comrades later?’
To the point where such absurd thoughts crossed her mind, this incident was a shock to Noa.
But that was short-lived. As their destination, the Source of Magic, came into view, Noa’s attention quickly shifted.
“Wow, it looks even bigger up close!”
“Right! I’d believe it if someone said it was the sea!”
“Amazing. To think something like this exists within the continent.”
The students exclaimed in admiration.
The Source of Magic was that massive and exuded a mysterious aura. As everyone chatted excitedly,
“Alright, everyone, pay attention.”
Professor Miel gathered their attention.
With a look that suggested he had something to say.
“Before we enter the Source of Magic, I want to ask you something. How much do you know about the Source of Magic?”
“What do you mean…?”
“If you know anything about it, tell me. Anything is fine.”
A somewhat sudden question.
The students looked puzzled but soon began to answer.
A source of abundant magic. A place where pure magic springs forth. A mystical place mages wish to see before they die, and so on.
Various answers poured out, but Professor Miel’s expression didn’t change. It seemed like he wasn’t satisfied with the answers.
After letting out a long yawn, he pointed to someone who hadn’t spoken yet.
“You, the one who looks like you’re on a picnic.”
“Me, me?”
“You answer too.”
Caught off guard, Noa was startled.
Her face clearly showed panic. But since she was called out, she had to answer. And if possible, a correct answer would be best.
So she answered.
“…The Source of Magic is a dangerous place.”
“Hmm, why do you think that?”
“As mentioned earlier, the Source of Magic is a sanctuary for mages. But at the same time, it’s one of the four major Demon Realms on the continent. So I guessed there must be a reason for that.”
After her calm reply,
Professor Miel smiled for the first time.
“Exactly right. The Source of Magic is as mysterious as it is dangerous. Do you know the reason?”
“Maybe because there’s too much magic? I once read in a book that too much of something is worse than not enough.”
Her eyes widened.
Professor Miel nodded slightly.
“I take back what I said about you being on a picnic.”
Meaning Noa’s answer was correct.
“The Source of Magic is a place where pure magic constantly springs forth. That’s why it’s also a dangerous place. Look at the map over there.”
Why would a lake need a map? But as Professor Miel said, a map existed.
A map divided as finely as the rings of an old tree.
Just as I wondered what it was divided so finely for, Professor Miel continued.
“The Source of Magic is divided into five major zones.”
His hand tapped the air.
Then, a knocking sound came from the empty air, as if hitting something.
“This is the Wall of Protection. An ancient barrier installed to separate the Source of Magic from the outside world.”
He pointed to the inside of the lake.
“From here until the water turns green is called Zone 1. Here, the flow of magic easily becomes unstable, and the possibility of Magic Overload slightly increases.”
Magic Overload. The worst accident that even those who handle mana fear to mention.
At the sudden ominous words, the students shrank back. But the real story was just beginning.
“Next, from the green water to the foggy area is Zone 2. Here, Magic Tools don’t work properly, and the possibility of Overload increases to a maximum of 20%.”
A 20% chance. Not a small probability. Moreover, since this was the first time they were hearing such a story, the students’ faces grew increasingly tense.
“In Zone 3, you lose your sense of direction, experience hallucinations or hear voices, and the possibility of Magic Overload rises to 50%. Additionally, there’s a rare chance of Magic Addiction, so don’t let your guard down.”
Magic Addiction is a phenomenon caused by absorbing an excessive amount of magic in a short time.
It leads to stomach pain, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, and in the worst cases, can result in death.
“In Zone 4, using magic will definitely cause Magic Overload. This applies even to knights’ mana swords.”
Professor Miel paused for a moment.
After wetting his throat with cool water, he pointed to the center of the lake and concluded his explanation.
“Finally, Zone 5. The mages of Arsen call this the true Source of Magic. As you can see on the map, Zone 5 is unusually small compared to the other zones.”
An area no larger than a pond.
But you couldn’t let your guard down just because it was small. Because of Professor Miel’s next explanation.
“There have been no records of anyone entering Zone 5 in the last 300 years. According to ancient texts, no one who entered has ever returned.”
After the final explanation,
the area fell silent in an instant.
And for good reason. They had never heard of such dangers in the Source of Magic before.
Tension, fear, anxiety, unease.
As all sorts of negative emotions swirled around the students, Professor Miel chuckled and wagged his tail.
“No need to be so tense. Today’s tour is just a quick look around Zone 1.”
He had no intention of putting the freshmen in danger on the first day. With his confident words, the students finally let out a sigh of relief.
“So, everyone, put this on your wrist.”
“What is this?”
“A bracelet that suppresses magic. As I said earlier, you mustn’t use magic inside.”
Even in Zone 1, there’s a possibility of Magic Overload. The students put on the bracelets without complaint.
Except for one.
“The bracelet’s too small.”
It was Ulan. His thick wrists and fists made it impossible for the bracelet to fit.
“Do you have anything else?”
“No.”
A heavy silence enveloped the surroundings.
After a moment, Professor Miel sighed.
“Sigh, no choice. You must not use mana no matter what. Promise me, or I won’t let you in.”
“I promise.”
“Good. Then that’s it.”
Is this really okay?
The students were flustered, but Professor Miel continued calmly.
“Lastly, we’ll form groups.”
“Huh? Why groups all of a sudden…?”
“There’s a reason, so stop complaining and gather with your friends. By the way, it’s five per group.”
As soon as he finished speaking,
most of them moved away from Ulan. As if they absolutely didn’t want to be in the same group as him.
On the other hand, some approached him.
Noa was the most obvious.
Ivella also crept closer.
As time passed, two others who couldn’t find a group joined Ulan’s team.
“Ugh, ugh…”
“Nice to meet you.”
Among them was the gray-haired girl who had earlier asked if she could switch classes.
After exchanging brief greetings, Professor Miel took out five stones from his pocket.
“Seems like we’re done, so one person from each group come and take this.”
“What is it?”
“It’s called a Return Stone.”
A stone emitting a mysterious green light.
Professor Miel continued his explanation.
“It’s the work of Dean Diplyn. It only works within the Academy grounds, but if you infuse it with magic, it will instantly teleport you to the main gate.”
All living beings within a 5-meter radius of the user are affected by the Return Stone.
After the explanation, the students looked at the Return Stone with curiosity. After distributing the stones, the professor added,
“It’d be best if you don’t have to use this, but if you feel in danger, use it without hesitation. If you don’t use it, return it later.”
At his words, tension filled the students’ eyes. The fact that they were given such an item meant the earlier warnings weren’t jokes.
“From now on, move in groups. Stay within 5 meters of the person holding the Return Stone. That’s all. Any questions?”
“W-what if an accident happens and we end up in Zone 2?”
“That won’t happen. The boundaries of each zone are guarded by the Guardians of the Spring.”
The Guardians of the Spring refer to Golems.
Combat Weapons created with great effort by mages. Each one is as powerful as a high-ranking knight.
“Even if that happens, the Guardians will come to get you. Moreover, today’s entry is only permitted up to Zone 1, so don’t worry about that.”
Starting with the detailed answer,
various questions flew in one after another. Though it could have been annoying, Professor Miel answered each one diligently.
After some time,
Professor Miel lightly tapped his palm.
“Alright, since Class 2 will be coming out soon, I’ll take one more question.”
No one raised their hand.
Thanks to the earlier questions, most of their curiosity had been satisfied. Then, someone who had been silent until now raised their hand.
A barbarian with reddish-brown hair.
Professor Miel smiled, seemingly surprised.
“Alright, the last question goes to the terrorist.”
All eyes turned to Ulan.
Curious about what he would ask. After a moment, Ulan’s question came out.
“I understand that the Source of Magic is a holy land for mages. But why do we have to enter such a dangerous place?”
“Oh, a more sensible question than I expected.”
After blinking once,
his expression turned serious.
“The reason freshmen tour the Source of Magic every year is because this is Arsen, and because you’ve enrolled in Arsen Academy.”
A cryptic answer like a riddle.
Seeing Ulan’s confused expression, Professor Miel asked the students,
“Does anyone here know the founding purpose of Arsen Academy?”
“Yes! It’s to discover and nurture talents together with the Empire and the Kingdom Alliance!”
“Half right. That’s the surface reason.”
Professor Miel nodded.
“What I’m asking is much further back, the reason Arsen Academy was first established near the Source of Magic.”
Silence fell again at his words.
Meaning no one knew.
Of course, Noa knew the answer but chose not to answer. It was normal for freshmen not to know.
“The answer is simple. To protect and guard this place. That’s the founding purpose of the Academy and the mission given to your seniors long ago.”
After his meaningful answer,
his gaze turned to the Source of Magic.
“The day the Gate of the Abyss opens, the era of humans will come to an end. I’m sure you’ve all heard this prophecy at least once.”
Of course, they knew.
It was the oldest prophecy and legend on the continent, something everyone born here had heard countless times.
“The Abyss in this prophecy refers to the center of the Source of Magic. In other words, the Gate of the Abyss is the Source of Magic itself.”
With a sharp look,
Professor Miel’s voice grew solemn.
“To summarize, the founding purpose of Arsen Academy and the mission of its students at the time was as follows.”
To watch over the Gate of the Abyss.
And to prevent it from opening.
And if it does open, to risk their lives to close it again.
After the explanation, the area fell silent.
Perhaps overwhelmed by the solemn atmosphere?
No. Most of the students were indifferent. Because what Professor Miel had just said was something they had read countless times in history books.
After all, that prophecy was just an old tale used to scare children.
They were past the age of being frightened by non-existent abysses and abyssal monsters. So they listened to Professor Miel’s words half-heartedly.
Except for one.
One person was shaken.
‘That’s the Gate of the Abyss?’
Ulan’s eyes widened.
It was natural to be surprised. In his past life, he had met his end at the residence of the Giant King Rargtan without ever reaching the Gate of the Abyss.
‘I knew the Gate of the Abyss was at the center of the continent…’
But who would have thought it was here?
Thinking about it, it made sense. Arsen Academy was also established at the center of the continent.
It was only natural for the locations to overlap.
With the belated realization,
Ulan stared at the lake.
His heart pounding fiercely.
His breathing quickened, and his whole body heated up.
But it wasn’t fear.
Creak!
With the sound of grinding teeth,
the corners of his mouth twisted upward.
The same excited smile the students had when they saw the Source of Magic. He trembled with joy and tightly gripped his axe.
‘The Source of Magic, Arsen.’
This was excitement.
As a warrior standing before the final battlefield he couldn’t reach in his past life.
As proof, Ulan’s eyes burned like flames. Enough to swallow the Source of Magic and even the Abyss beyond.
‘The place where Abyssal Monsters emerge.’
It’s right in front of me.
Ulan couldn’t hide his excitement.
There was no longer a need to wander the continent in search of Abyssal Monsters and the Lords of the Abyss.
‘Then I’ll wait here.’
And I’ll split their heads open as they come out. Ulan’s mouth twisted even more ferociously as he tightened his grip on the axe.
‘The day the Gate of the Abyss opens.’
It won’t be the end of humanity’s era, but the era of the Abyssal Monsters. This time, I’ll make sure of it, Ulan vowed.
His crimson eyes, soaked in savagery.
The eyes of one who had once split countless monsters in half and slain one of the Lords of the Abyss.
The eyes of the Barbarian Hero.
Chapter 9. The Source of Magic
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