Chapter 54 - Darkmtl
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Chapter 54

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“Istan El Deorg.”

When news broke that one of the Empire’s Five Swords would visit Arsen Academy, Principal Berge Erkazhan urgently summoned those involved.

Ethan Arnoff.

Stella Natalia.

Diplyn Cernio.

They were all aware of the military’s plans, and at the same time, they were witnesses to the incident involving Ulan during the selection match.

“…An hour ago, Count Deorg expressed his intention to visit the academy through the military.”

Principal Berge looked at the three with a rigid expression.

“You don’t need me to explain the reason, right?”

The three nodded in silence.

There was only one reason.

“Is he coming from the Count’s domain?”

“No. We’ve received contact through the southern border’s headquarters, so he must be coming from the desert.”

“That’s a relief.”

Ethan silently sighed in relief.

It takes three days to ride from Count Deorg’s domain to here, whereas it would take at least fifteen days from the southern border.

So…

“We need to come up with a plan within fifteen days.”

Berge’s eyes sparkled sharply.

Ethan promptly replied, “First off, we must make sure the Count does not meet Ulan.”

“That’s right. No matter how cold-hearted he is, after all, it’s his only child who has been hurt.”

Stella nodded in agreement.

As she said, Count Deorg was well-known for being extremely rational and cold.

During his time as commander at the southern front, the desert cultists referred to him as the “Ice Golem.”

“He was notorious for not taking prisoners.”

He had never once accepted an enemy’s surrender throughout his command of the Empire’s borders.

With an icy gaze, like a golem, he showed no emotions as he eliminated every enemy.

This was Count Deorg.

“And…”

Stella, too, had seen Count Deorg during her service at the eastern front.

Her impression back then was this:

“A dangerous man.”

She felt a sense of obsession and madness from him.

Though she didn’t know the exact details, it was clear that he was fixated on something.

And it was frighteningly intense. Therefore, she personally didn’t like him much.

“I see. I’ve taken your opinions into consideration.”

Just as Stella was reminiscing about the past, Berge asked a question.

“But how can we prevent them from meeting? Since he’s visiting the academy, he’s bound to look for Ulan.”

“What about locking him in solitary confinement?”

“Solitary confinement?”

“No matter what, outsiders can’t stay longer than a week during their visit.”

This was a rule of the academy.

Outsiders, excluding students and faculty, could only remain within the campus for a maximum of one week.

“So are we keeping Ulan in there for that time?”

“Yes, this way, they won’t meet…”

“No, they will definitely meet.”

But at that moment, Ethan shook his head. Cutting off Stella’s words, he quickly continued,

“Even if he’s locked up, if the Count insists on meeting Ulan, we have no grounds to refuse.”

Moreover, the Count was a master.

If he decided to break through to solitary confinement, there weren’t many who could stop him.

“So we need to hide him well. He should either be impossible to find or be in a state where he can’t rashly go and meet him even if he does find him.”

Ethan’s eyes shone intensely.

On the other hand, Berge’s expression was troubled.

“Hmm, your suggestion makes sense, but is there a real place for that?”

“The Source of Magic, Arsen.”

At that moment, someone who had been silent opened her mouth.

Principal Diplyn Cernio.

She twirled a strand of her apricot-colored hair with her finger as she continued.

“We’ve temporarily set up a command center there to investigate the recent disappearance cases. Couldn’t we hide him there?”

As soon as Diplyn finished her answer, Ethan and Stella’s eyes widened.

“Surely the Source of Magic…”

“Would be hard to access. You need Principal Cernio’s permission to enter!”

This was truly a brilliant idea.

The Source of Magic was a place jointly managed by the academy, empire, and royal union.

If anyone entered without permission, it would not only violate academy rules but also provoke the wrath of various nations.

“That’s not bad. Do you have any justification for it?”

Berge nodded and asked, and Diplyn eagerly replied.

“We could say we need to investigate the disappearance case. Otherwise, I can explain directly to Count Deorg.”

“You would do it personally?”

“Yes, I have some acquaintance with the Count.”

“Hmm, if you can manage that, we practically have a plan in place.”

Berge trailed off.

He knew that all mages did not bestow goodwill and expected a price for every service.

The same went for Diplyn.

So he looked at her with a probing gaze, silently asking if she had something to gain. Realizing this, Diplyn broke into a beaming smile.

“Hehe, of course, there are conditions.”

“What is it?”

“I want to borrow Ulan.”

It was a somewhat unexpected price.

Berge raised an eyebrow.

“Huh? Ulan?”

“Just for about three days.”

“What for?”

“I have personal research, and I think it would be finished sooner if Ulan helps.”

As soon as the detailed reason was revealed, Ethan and Stella raised their eyebrows.

“If that’s all there is to it, then there’s no need to seek the Principal’s cooperation, right?”

“Exactly. You could just ask Ulan for help later…”

Given Ulan’s personality, he would surely help out.

Stella was quite sure of that. Berge, sensing something odd, asked almost in disbelief,

“Is it perhaps some dangerous research?”

“Not at all. I swear.”

Shaking her head, Diplyn let out a brief sigh.

“Phew, actually, I think I’ve annoyed Ulan.”

“Annoyed? Why?”

“It’s probably because of the incident that happened during the special skills exam.”

This incident had already been brought up.

It was news of how the magic golem rampaged nearly injuring a student.

Yet, it was entirely self-inflicted.

After all, Diplyn was the one who caused the golem to rampage. But Berge, Ethan, and Stella could not possibly know this.

“Ever since then, he seems to be avoiding me, so I can’t exactly ask for help.”

Diplyn deliberately put on a glum expression.

And it worked like a charm.

“I see. Understood. Then we’ll reduce the suspension period a bit, and in exchange, you’ll do some volunteer work in your laboratory.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. But I’ll entrust the handling of Count Deorg to you. Would that be alright?”

“Of course! Absolutely!”

Her complexion brightened.

Finally, she could bring Ulan to her laboratory. And she could do it legally! As her eyes sparkled with excitement…

“…Principal.”

Ethan suddenly interjected.

K22

With a somewhat rigid expression.

“There’s one more thing I need to report.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“It’s about the selection match.”

Ethan sighed briefly. He summarized the incidents that had occurred before coming here.

After a while, Berge frowned.

“What? Forfeit?”

“Yes, Delia Arpen, Ivella Elea’ad, Noa Darshen. The three students I mentioned earlier have expressed their intention to forfeit, resulting in a current vacancy.”

“What was the reason for the forfeiture?”

“Hmm, that’s…”

Ethan, once again sighing, continued with his report, while Diplyn lost herself in thought.

Among the three who had forfeited, one in particular stood out.

Noa.

“Noa Darshen.”

A barbarian sorceress who had enrolled with Ulan.

And yesterday, she faced off against Diplyn’s disciple, Delia, in the finals of the mock battle.

“Ah, she was truly amazing.”

Diplyn’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

It was the first time she had seen a sorceress complete spells at such a rapid pace.

Also, judging from the battle yesterday, it appeared Noa had similar talents as Delia.

“Truly a child favored by mana.”

A genius who comes around once every hundred years.

Diplyn’s eyes glowed with desire.

“This is a chance given by the heavens.”

Noa, unlike Delia, had no noble lineage or particular faction backing her. This meant she could freely experiment without consequences.

So Diplyn made up her mind.

She would soon reach out to Noa, build rapport, and then utilize her for various experiments.

“But for now…”

Ulan came first. She was curious about the gifted talents beloved by mana, but even more curious about his body that held two vessels of mana.

“After all, I have plenty of time.”

There was no need to rush.

As she calmed her thoughts…

Perk!

Her pointed ears twitched slightly.

“Huh?”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Moments later, her gaze shifted to the massive forest visible outside the window.

“Was that…?”

In an instant.

Diplyn sensed a distortion in the flow of magic, almost like an explosion. The place was the expansive forest she was currently looking at—the Eastern Forest.

That forest was also the location where the mock battle would take place in a month.

“Who did that?”

Such phenomena wouldn’t occur unless someone artificially intervened, especially not in a place as unique as the Source of Magic.

“This means someone deliberately caused this effect—what’s their goal?”

Just as curiosity painted her face…

Suddenly, she sniffed the air.

It was a strangely familiar scent wafting from the Eastern Forest.

“This scent is definitely…”

A wizard who had reached considerable mastery.

A scent only those who had traversed the battlefield could smell. The residual fragrance of monsters.

“A pretty strong presence.”

But did the academy have any monsters that emanated such a strong aura? Diplyn tilted her head in confusion, enveloped in fresh doubts.

Suddenly, she heard Berge’s voice.

“Principal Cernio?”

“Ah, yes?”

“Is there something outside?”

“Um, no. It’s nothing important.”

It was anything but trivial.

Having a monster in the academy posed a significant threat.

If left unattended, a student might fall victim or disaster could strike during the mock battle.

But Diplyn grinned.

“I just have a feeling it might rain.”

And decided.

To just pretend she didn’t notice.

If she revealed this fact, she’d likely be assigned to investigate, which would only bring trouble with no benefits.

“I hate troublesome things.”

Not long after…

The flow of magic calmed down again. The lingering fragrance of monsters vanished as well. This meant there was no need to worry about monsters appearing right away.

Therefore…

Let’s just focus on Ulan for now.

Such was her selfish judgment.

With that, Diplyn smiled once more.

Then pretended to listen intently to the discussion about the students who had forfeited.

4.

Meanwhile, at that time.

Two hours of questioning had concluded. The inspector, who had been jotting down statements in his notebook, nodded as if he understood.

“I see. So that’s what happened.”

The notebook contained all the conversations and situations between Ulan and Himel, along with secured audio recordings.

“I’ve heard it well. If everything you’ve said so far is true, the penalties will be significantly reduced.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However, we need to reconvene the committee based on your statements, so until then, I’d appreciate it if you followed the restrictions I explained earlier.”

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ulan responded confidently.

The inspector smiled satisfactorily.

“I’ll come again soon. Rest for now.”

From now on, it was the military’s turn to intervene.

Based on the statements gathered, they would fabricate a plausible reason to justify why Ulan had no choice but to act as he did.

With this purpose in his heart,

the inspector exited the room.

Creek! Bang!

The door closed swiftly.

Ulan lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling. He then recalled the ‘restrictions’ he had just heard about.

“Measures regarding the suspension.”

In Arsen, a suspension didn’t simply mean academic cessation. As the second-most severe punishment after expulsion, it came with various restrictions.

First. During the suspension period, attending any lectures, including auditing classes, is prohibited.

This was quite a heavy penalty for a newly enrolled freshman. Of course, Ulan didn’t particularly care.

“Second, restriction on areas of access.”

Ulan couldn’t access any place except the area around the dormitory for the next thirty days.

The library and dining hall were the same.

So three times a day, the inspector would personally bring him his meals.

“Lastly, the third…?”

Contact with others was restricted.

This included not just classmates, but also students and professors from other departments. The only person Ulan could interact with was the inspector.

As he recalled these restrictions…

“―――!”

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from outside.

Rising from his spot, he looked out to see a face just as familiar.

“Why am I being told I can’t get in?!”

It was Ivella.

Holding a thick book, she was arguing with the inspector.

“As I said earlier, Ulan Bator has received a suspension. Until the period ends, he can’t interact with other students.”

“I just want to give him my regards and a few things. I’m not here to cause any trouble.”

“No. Rules are rules.”

But the inspector was adamant.

His expression was void of emotion. Still, he wasn’t completely heartless.

“If you have a message, you can relay it through me. That’s something I can allow.”

“……”

Ivella pouted, then eventually slumped her shoulders, realizing it would be difficult to meet Ulan.

With a sigh, she said, “Ha, fine. Please at least pass this book to Ulan. This is okay, right?”

“Certainly. I’ll deliver it directly.”

The inspector took the thick book.

Afterward, Ivella glanced back longingly toward the dormitory and then turned away.

A little while later.

Knock knock!

Someone knocked on the door. It was the inspector, who had just stopped Ivella from entering.

“It’s lunchtime. And here’s what a certain girl wanted me to deliver to you.”

He handed over the meal balanced on a tray, along with the thick book. Ulan devoured the food before promptly turning his attention to the book.

“This book is…”

For some reason, the cover felt somewhat familiar.

It read:

[Revised Edition of Legendary Weapons from Mythology]

Ulan recalled that this was a revised edition of a book he had borrowed during a visit to the library. It was also something Ivella had mentioned and recommended to him back then.

“It has various weapons categorized, even including their storage locations.”

Recalling that memory, Ulan opened the book.

Just as Ivella said, the table of contents was segmented by weapon type.

Swords, spears, bludgeons, bows, spellbooks, and so on.

He even spotted the axe he often used.

“Looks like I won’t be bored for a while.”

Ulan smiled, expressing his gratitude towards Ivella in his heart, and began searching for the information about the axe.

When he reached the first page, a familiar weapon caught his eye immediately. An axe that looked large and heavy even in the illustration.

‘Axe of Giant Strength, Axid.’

This was the axe Ulan had wielded in his past life.

One of the creations from the legendary blacksmith, “Kruntha,” known for his craftsmanship.

Like its name of Giant Strength, it boasted such weight that even capable individuals struggled to wield it.

So before Ulan put it to use, it had been set up as a symbol and sculpture at the Paladin training center in the Empire’s holy capital.

“Sure was a good weapon.”

Given that it was crafted by a legendary master, even the blessing imparted to the axe was extraordinary.

Specifically, the Blessing of Immutability.

It wouldn’t rust if left unmanaged for a long time, nor would it dull. It was the ideal weapon for Ulan, who bounded across battlefields as though it were a part of his meals.

“But it wasn’t immortal.”

This was proven when it broke during a fight with the Giant King Rargtan. It had shattered while he was in combat.

Thus, in this life, Ulan wanted a sturdier weapon than the Axe of Giant Strength. With such small wishes, he briskly flipped through the remaining pages.

How long did it pass?

Ulan felt a sudden dizziness. Momentarily staggering, he soon realized the reason.

“I’ve looked too long at the book.”

Before he knew it, he had flipped through nine pages.

Even though 80% of the book was illustrations, from Ulan’s viewpoint, he had already exceeded his usual information intake.

This signaled the beginning of an overload.

“Just one more look before I rest.”

He still felt he could endure a bit longer.

Pushing his fingers against his head, Ulan turned to the tenth page.

Then, at that instant.

His crimson eyes sparkled.

“This is…”

This was something unique.

Two hand axes.

Up to this point, each page had introduced only one weapon, but here, two were being presented.

Momentarily, Ulan realized the significance.

[Twin Axes: Ose & Gula]

—The final masterpiece created by the legendary master, “Kruntha,” which was simultaneously referred to as a misfit by the warriors of that era.

Since their name was Twin Axes, this indicated that they were a set.

Meanwhile, Ulan’s gaze fixated on the creator of the axes. Master Kruntha—the very one who crafted the Axe of Giant Strength.

Was it curiosity that sparked within him?

He began reading the descriptions of each axe carefully, starting with the white-bladed one.

‘Pama Stone.’

This mineral was also in Ulan’s memory.

Only produced in the holy kingdom, it was said to contain some divine essence. As described, it possessed the trait to repel magic.

Famous as the most difficult mineral to obtain in the world, due to its extremely limited production.

‘They said the holy sword was made of Pama Stone too.’

The “Holy Sword Kadalon,” wielded by one of the Seven Heroes, Knight Ian, was also forged from this Pama Stone. Hearing this, Ulan looked curiously at the Axe of Banishing.

A little while later…

Ulan’s gaze shifted to the other axe.

Unlike the Axe of Banishing, this one was entirely covered in a deep black.

Its description was as follows.

Ulan’s eyes narrowed with interest.

The sole reason being the phrase at the bottom of the explanation: “Blessing of Restoration.”

‘It can return to its original state with only mana?’

This meant that even if it broke, it could always be reused. Though it wasn’t originally intended to be a sturdy weapon, it aligned well with his needs.

So long as it could be repaired whenever needed, the material strength didn’t really matter. Ulan gazed seriously at the final part of the explanation.

The reason the twin axes were rejected was completely unrelated to Ulan. He was confident in his strength.

Just then, something happened.

Droplets of blood streamed down his face.

With a thumping headache, Ulan staggered. It was a severe dizziness, a sign of overload.

But he couldn’t stop reading.

The most important section had not yet been read.

Struggling to focus, Ulan persisted through, finally confirming where the twin axes were stored.

“……!”

His crimson eyes widened.

And rightly so, the storage place was quite familiar to Ulan.

[Storage Location: Source of Magic, Arsen]

—It was noted as the last witnessed location. However, the precise details remained unknown.

Was it a mere coincidence?

Or destiny? Honestly, he didn’t care which it was. Once he confirmed the capabilities, the creator, and the storage location for the twin axes, he had already made his decision.

‘I will definitely get my hands on them.’

Though there weren’t any leads yet.

Cautiously, he could follow the trail, and surely, he would find the twin axes someday.

With a clearer sense of purpose.

A satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

Ulan then fainted.

[Axe of Banishment, Ose]

—An axe forged from Pama Stone.

This axe, named after the god of judgment and retribution, “Perose,” possesses the power to interfere with magic or disrupt the flow of magic due to its Pama Stone composition.

Legends say that if someone at the level of a master wields it, they unleash sealed powers.

[Axe of Devouring, Gula]

—An axe made from the Stone of Longing.

This axe, named after the god of greed and gluttony, “Grugula,” possesses the power to absorb the opponent’s mana through its blade as its name suggests.

Even if destroyed, provided sufficient mana is retained, it can always be restored with the “Restoration Blessing.”

The properties of Pama Stone and the Stone of Longing are inherently opposing. Thus, like the poles of a magnet, they repulse each other.

For this reason, only a wielder of enormous strength can use both axes together. This is also the tale behind it being called a misfit.

Chapter 15. The Calm Before the Storm



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The Academy’s Barbarian

The Academy’s Barbarian

아카데미의 야만용사
Score 9.6
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Released: 2021 Native Language: Korean
Arsene Academy – the best educational institution on the continent. A place that’s famous for nurturing many talented people. A warrior from a barbarian tribe enters the academy.

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