Chapter 85

(4)

8.

Every kind of magic has its color.

The colors of the magic that each mage possesses can vary wildly, and the magic that exists in the atmosphere has a wide range of colors too.

Of course, it’s still unclear what criteria are used to differentiate the colors.

However, there is one specific color that has a clear reason behind it.

‘Ashen Magic.’

The exact color of burnt ashes.

No mage can possess this color of magic. No, more than that, it’s impossible for any living human to have Ashen Magic.

‘Because this magic…’

Exists only in the Abyss.

In other words, it is a color of magic that can only be found in creatures of the Abyss, monsters, or humans who have forsaken their humanity to become Abyss Worshippers.

But right at this moment.

The owner of Ashen Magic appeared before my eyes.

Professor Dirck strolled out from Zone 3.

As soon as I spotted him.

Noa involuntarily took a step back.

The color of his magic was Ashen, but the main reason was the sheer amount of magic he was radiating.

Even from a distance, the quantity of magic was vividly visible.

His magic looked like it was about to explode, and Noa’s face turned pale.

‘He hasn’t turned into a monster yet, but…’

That didn’t mean he could let his guard down.

With that much Ashen Magic surrounding him, it wouldn’t be surprising if he transformed into a monster at any moment.

Thus, she couldn’t take her gaze off him.

Delia felt the same way.

“…….”

Her face was as hard as stone.

Delia stared at Professor Dirck with eyes full of intense vigilance. In the meantime, she subliminally completed a magic formula.

If Professor Dirck made any funny business, she would be ready to unleash her magic at any moment.

On the other hand, Ulan’s reaction was different.

“Another one’s broken.”

Ulan was jabbing a makeshift magic detector into a nearby rock, appearing not to care about Professor Dirck at all.

‘That’s only natural.’

The only ones who noticed that something was off about Professor Dirck were Noa and Delia, who could see magic with their own eyes.

Ordinary folks like Ulan wouldn’t feel any discomfort unless Professor Dirck actually transformed into a monster.

“Ah, Professor, you’ve arrived?”

“Did your business go well?”

The moment they spotted Professor Dirck.

The calm way the supervisors spoke was evidence enough.

Despite the Ashen Magic swirling around him, the supervisors seemed oblivious to any strange anomalies.

“Um, but are you okay?”

“You look a bit unwell…”

“Is there somewhere you’re not feeling good?”

The concerned words of the supervisors were understandable. Professor Dirck’s complexion was devoid of color and appeared pitch black.

Moreover, his eyes were sunken, his skin was flaky, and he looked absolutely haggard. In response, Professor Dirck feebly nodded.

“……Actually, I’m not feeling great.”

His voice was incredibly hoarse.

It sounded like nails scratching against a metal plate.

Just from the sound of his voice, one could tell he was in poor shape.

“So, can I leave the remaining exams in your hands? I’ve been feeling heavier for a while now.”

“Ah, yes! Of course.”

“Leave it to us.”

With reliable responses, Professor Dirck gave a slight nod before sitting down in a makeshift chair set up in the exam room.

He then bent his head down and didn’t show any movement whatsoever. Meanwhile, as Professor Dirck joined, the second exam was soon wrapping up.

“I’ll start the written exam right away!”

“Everyone, move to your assigned seats!”

The supervisors pointed to the makeshift desks and chairs that had been set up.

Noa and Delia couldn’t take their eyes off Professor Dirck even as they took their seats.

A while later.

After ensuring all students were seated.

“Exam start!”

The last exam of midterms began for the Magic Detection written test.

9.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

In a damp cave where sunlight didn’t penetrate.

Hundreds of mages cluster together in this sparsely populated area. Mages of various age groups, regardless of gender.

They all shared two common points.

One, they were all officially wanted by the Magic Tower, and the other, they were all possessors of Ashen Magic.

This fact only means one thing.

They’re known as ‘Abyss Worshippers.’

“Finally, today has come.”

“Is this the fifth experiment already?”

“I wonder what the results will be this time.”

The gathering of Abyss Worshippers held once a year.

Today’s topic is undoubtedly the ‘experiment.’

At this spectacle, Regens Autra, one of the elders of the Order and the host of today’s gathering, silently watched the worshippers’ discussions.

Just then.

A youthful voice pierced his ears.

“Um, Master.”

The owner of the voice was a girl in her mid-teens.

With hair as dark as the deep sea, she was Regens’ disciple accepted in his later years.

A mage and Abyss Worshipper with exceptional talent and potential.

“What is it, Estelle?”

“What’s this experiment all about?”

As soon as she got a response, Estelle eagerly asked her question.

Regens tilted his head slightly.

“Hmm? Haven’t I explained it yet?”

“No, this is the first time I’m hearing about it.”

“I see. Then let me explain.”

An experiment is one of the great endeavors of the Order.

A type of task that every Abyss Worshipper should know about. Hence, Regens began to explain with fervor.

“Simply put, an experiment means artificially creating a rift.”

“What? A rift?”

“I’m talking about the Abyssal Rift.”

“……!”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Estelle responded with astonishment, “Is that really possible?!”

“It is, if three conditions are met.”

“What are those conditions?”

“The location, the materials, and the skill.”

Regens’s gaze deepened.

“First, the location must be near the Gate of the Abyss. In other words, it can only be conducted around the Source of Magic, Arsen.”

The location was already tricky.

The Source of Magic was managed by the world’s premier educational institution, Arsen Academy.

Moreover, the Academy was designated as a neutral ground through agreements among the Empire, the Holy Nation, and the Kingdom.

Because of that, there are many watchful eyes, making it unsuitable for Abyss Worshippers to operate.

“Next, you need six top-grade magic stones as materials. One for each point in a six-pointed star formation.”

The materials were just as demanding.

Top-grade magic stones aren’t things you can just get with money.

The annual supply is limited, but mages wanting them are as numerous as stars.

“Lastly, there needs to be a mage with knowledge and skills sufficient to open the Abyssal Rift using those two conditions.”

“……The last condition is the hardest. Does the Order have someone with that much skill?”

“Just one person exists.”

“Who is it?”

“Diplyn Cernio.”

The head of the Magic Department at Arsen Academy, a high mage who has lived for over a hundred years.

Although not a member of the Order, he has established a close cooperative relationship with them.

That was none other than Diplyn Cernio.

As soon as Diplyn’s name was mentioned, Estelle fell silent. It seemed there was no room to argue.

But that moment didn’t last long.

She tilted her head again.

“But is there a reason to open the Abyssal Rift to this extent?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Even if you force a rift open, it doesn’t guarantee that the Gate of the Abyss will open as well. So why invest so much…?”

Was it really to create a rift in the Abyss?

Estelle asked curiously, and Regens stroked his beard while replying.

“Given the way you see it, it might seem meaningless. But this experiment corresponds directly with our Order’s aspirations.”

“What do you mean?”

“The more rifts are created, the sooner the Gate of the Abyss will open.”

“R-Really?!”

“Yes. Perhaps we might witness the opening of the Gate of the Abyss in this very era.”

At this answer, Estelle wore a blank expression.

Initially, she thought the experiment had nothing to do with the Gate of the Abyss, but now that changed everything.

The center of Arsen. Opening the Gate of the Abyss was the Order’s long-standing desire and mission.

“I see, that’s why…”

Everyone is paying attention to this experiment.

Estelle finally nodded in understanding. Regens gently patted his disciple’s head with a smile.

“And there’s another reason beyond this.”

“What reason is that?”

“To secure Abyssal creatures.”

“Ah, like Candira?”

“Exactly. When a rift opens, using carcasses of beasts as bait to lure Abyssal creatures from beyond the rift into this world.”

The moment she heard this.

Estelle suddenly widened her eyes. It seemed she realized something. After a moment, she spoke with a trembling voice.

“So does that mean the Candira the Order is currently nurturing…?”

“They all came from beyond the rift.”

Regens punctuated the statement.

It was the moment when the reason why Abyss Worshippers could command Abyssal creatures even though the Gate of the Abyss hadn’t opened yet was revealed.

Just then.

Estelle’s eyes sparkled once more.

“I have one more question.”

Her eyes sparkled with academic curiosity.

Soon questions poured out.

“If we use humans instead of livestock as offerings, can we summon an even more powerful Abyssal creature?”

“Of course. The grade of the offering is determined by the concentration of magic. The denser the magic, the stronger the Abyssal creature that appears.”

As soon as Regens finished his answer.

Estelle had a hopeful expression.

“Then what if we offered a mage as a sacrifice…?”

“It would depend on the mage’s mastery, but roughly speaking, assuming it’s a high-ranking mage, you could summon a Minion of the Abyss.”

“……What? A Minion?!”

A Minion of the Abyss refers to a direct subordinate of the rulers of the Abyss. They are authentic monsters, vastly different from ordinary demon beasts.

“And if a rift opens while there are more mages around, there’s a possibility that the Lord of the Abyss might respond.”

“……!?”

Estelle was not just surprised; she was horrified.

Summoning the Lord of the Abyss into this world was among the Order’s aspirational goals.

But that moment didn’t last either.

A reply that poured cold water on her excitement came.

“But realistically, it’s impossible.”

“Why is that…?”

“Think about where the experiment is taking place, and then the answer will become clear.”

As soon as she heard those words.

Estelle’s expression changed to one of realization.

Because the place where the Abyssal Rift was opening was none other than Arsen Academy.

A neutral ground under intense scrutiny from all countries.

What if they offered a mage as a sacrifice here? If a Minion of the Abyss appeared? Then surely a large-scale investigation would be launched.

“……It would be a troublesome situation.”

“Indeed. That’s why it’s not done.”

If that were to happen, the position of the Abyss Worshippers would tighten even further. Perhaps the Empire would seriously pursue the Order in retaliation.

So, that’s why they avoid such actions outright.

Regens drew a firm line.

Shortly after.

Just as the conversation between the two priests was about to wrap up.

Suddenly, a report came in.

“Elder, we’ve received word from Cernio.”

“He says the experiment will commence soon.”

The experiment was about to begin.

At this report, Regens’ gaze grew somber.

It was not only him.

Estelle, who had learned what the experiment was, along with all the other Abyss Worshippers in the cave, revealed sharp glints in their eyes.

“I’m looking forward to what results will come out this time.”

Hundreds of pairs of eyes gleamed in the darkness.

The worshippers all focused their gazes to the south. The heart of the continent, where this experiment was set to take place.

The Source of Magic, Arsen.

Chapter 22: Changing Future