Chapter 57

Immediately after returning to Etna City, Carisia was having a private meeting with Ortes.

This time, unusually, Ortes had taken the initiative to seek out Carisia in order to report on the tripartite division of power involving the Theistic Order, Blasphemia, and Argeyirion.

“I’ve established channels both for gathering information from and disseminating it to both the Theistic Order and Blasphemia. Hydra Corp has secured a position where we can somewhat guide the movements of these three forces.”

For Carisia, this was a result beyond expectation—it was as good as having planted spies within both Blasphemia and the Theistic Order.

The most brilliant aspect was that those providing the information were unaware they were acting as spies.

After all, from their perspectives, Ortes was on their side.

Carisia had suspected Ortes had been up to something based on the general reports from Elysion, but this particular development…

“Did you do this while taking Kine along?”

“It seemed words alone wouldn’t suffice to convince the priests, so this was a contingency plan I prepared. Once I demonstrated divine power in action, it was easy to deceive them.”

‘It feels a bit odd calling this “easy deception,” doesn’t it?’

Considering her confidant’s thoughts, Carisia refrained from voicing this observation aloud. After all, Ortes concocting and executing outrageous plans wasn’t exactly a new thing.

“So, Chairman, have you thought of a strategy for tackling the Ten Towers?”

Of the Ten Towers, Carisia had clearly designated White Light Tower as an adversary. However, if a large-scale war broke out, reinforcements from other towers would undoubtedly arrive.

“If we invoke the Succession War as a pretext, the other nine towers won’t interfere. But…”

“Once the Ten Sages are destroyed, regardless of the circumstances, talk of succession won’t hold water anymore. Whether for retaliation or to protect their own sages, Hydra Corp will surely engage in battle once White Light’s sages are eliminated.”

Carisia twirled a strand of her long hair around her right index finger. After winding it a few times, she spoke up suddenly.

“You’re aware there’s a problem with this so-called tripartite division, right?”

“Yes. While we’ve set the stage for conflict between Argeyirion, Blasphemia, and the Theistic Order, there are those who could overturn the entire situation.”

Ultimately, it came down to the Ten Towers. Wasn’t the reason for this ongoing deliberation the overwhelming asymmetrical power of the Ten Sages?

“For now, accelerating the sacred investigation seems like the best course of action.”

If the Artificial Tenth Rank were completed, Etna City would become an impregnable battlefield even against expeditions from the Ten Towers.

“The first line of defense using the city walls, the second line centered around Geryon’s and Caike’s magic towers alongside Hydra Corp, and the final defense line installed on Mount Etna. Even aerial assaults exploiting flight magic would be difficult to break through.”

Ortes’ assessment wasn’t exaggerated. Every day, destruction and redevelopment were orchestrated in Etna City, transforming its chaotic underworld and outdated outer walls into a fortress-like planned city.

Of course, being advantageous against the Ten Towers only applied to defensive battles.

“There are cases where even the Ten Towers have fallen in succession wars and been replaced, so we can’t rest easy just because our defenses are strong. Ultimately, we must also take the offensive.”

To capture White Light Tower, they would need to devise a method to collide the magical field of White Light with that of the artificial sage. Carisia felt the weight of additional tasks mounting.

One solution came to Carisia’s mind.

“What if I just close my eyes and leave everything to Ortes?”

No. That wouldn’t do. Shaking her head, Carisia reminded herself that although Ortes appeared omnipotent and had succeeded in almost everything he’d done, that didn’t mean he truly was infallible.

“Speaking of which, how often do you stay in touch with your friend?”

“No, we haven’t communicated for several years. Fortunately, though, they still remember me well.”

Ortes, seemingly pleased to have reunited with his old friend, began recounting various stories.

“You remember when I mentioned hearing that ‘I’ll betray you before you betray me’? Lampades was the only one who stood by me at that time.”

“He has quite an eye for talent.”

Carisia replied half-heartedly. Did he really not betray anyone? Or was it simply fear that stopped him?

“My friend is quite capable.”

An unexpected bout of boasting about his friend unsettled Carisia. It was clear Ortes wasn’t omnipotent. Perhaps social skills were one of his weaknesses.

“Your friend doesn’t seem to view you as a friend but rather some kind of monster.”

“Haha, Chairman. Though I may lack social graces, I’m not entirely without friends. I worked hard on the front lines of the extraplanar missions.”

Carisia suppressed the urge to retort, “But didn’t you get betrayed numerous times in the very place you worked so hard?”

“Since we’re talking about Lampades Tower, have you heard anything from Kine?”

Before reaching her limit of patience, Carisia decided to shift the topic.

“Kine? Isn’t the detailed scholarship agreement and post-graduation employment contract handled directly by you, Chairman?”

Ortes’ question revealed that Kine hadn’t said anything to him.

“I heard that a child named Astrape from Lampades Tower has seen you, or rather, heard of you.”

“‘Heard’? What does that mean?”

“Apparently, you saved Astrape from being sold into slavery. Does that ring any bells?”

Hmm?

Lately, I’ve only clashed with one group of slavers. If Astrape is involved, it makes things clearer.

A branch of Torres Tower dealing with Krypton. The responsible person was someone named Tarknia, right?

Still, when I questioned Tarknia directly, he denied knowing such a child.

Moreover, the current Astrape showed no signs of mechanical augmentation. If Torres School had gotten their hands on her, her whole body except her brain would have been converted into enchanted gear.

“…Was Astrape among the people recently captured and waiting in the warehouse?”

What an incredible coincidence. To think Astrape was hidden somewhere among the crowd I incited by distributing magical drives.

That Astrape remembers me isn’t necessarily a bad thing. First, it means one less ally for the Wizard King.

Our goal is to destroy White Light Tower without confronting the Wizard King, but life rarely goes according to plan.

At least it’s a positive outcome to have one less potential enemy.

“But leaving it at merely making a good impression feels somewhat unsettling. We need a way to more firmly bring Astrape onto our side, perhaps to persuade Lampades as well.”

I’ve decided on a means to make both Lampades and Astrape actively cooperate with Hydra Corp.

We’ll offer them too much to refuse.

***

Recalling what Kine had told her, Carisia remembered her words:

“It’s frightening not knowing where Ortes’ plans begin and end.”

“Well, that’s good news. Astrape is an exceptionally talented magician like Kine. It’d be great if they became friends at Museion.”

Ortes himself, who supposedly rescued Astrape, seemed indifferent to the matter. Just then,

“Given that Lampades personally went to rescue Astrape, he must care deeply for her as a student. Since Astrape holds a favorable impression of me, let’s use this to initiate contact.”

Ortes had saved Astrape months ago. Astrape subsequently entered Lampades Tower, and Lampades’ technological capabilities were of interest to Hydra Corp.

In a situation where Lampades hasn’t given a definitive answer regarding collaboration, it was fortuitous that Astrape remembered the favor Ortes did for her…

“A coincidence?”

“Hmm? Ah, yes. A coincidence.”

After momentarily stroking his chin in thought, Ortes continued.

“Lampades likely views Astrape’s lightning magic—her talent for electromagnetic wave manipulation—as essential for the ultimate completion of extraplanar detection magic.”

Carisia nodded. Despite being a relatively conscientious tower master, it was unlikely Lampades would risk venturing into a city plagued by terrorists purely out of goodwill.

“Even though Lampades is an accomplished mage and Astrape’s admission to Museion is already assured, mere academic support wouldn’t sway him.”

“That’s true. As a certified tower master, he’s financially secure.”

“But I know of a place where there might be an artifact suitable for her.”

Carisia massaged her temples—a habit she picked up from Ortes.