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chapter 26
A commotion arose.
As long as the Phoenix Mage Corps and the Algeras Knights were involved, failure had never even been a consideration.
It was inconceivable that these two groups would fail in their mission.
But bringing the Duke’s symbolic cloak and Gaudi’s flag was another matter entirely.
In this world, presenting a flag symbolized giving someone absolute trust.
Giving someone your most treasured possession meant: “If anyone harms this person, I will kill them.”
How on earth had that little brat earned such boundless trust and affection from the Duke?
“Mother…”
“Stay still.”
“….”
A chilling cold began swirling around Medea.
Mana responded to her emotions.
Everyone had no choice but to step back from her. Whatever was said now would not be heard.
How dare that insolent delinquent…
Seeing Lawrence standing there so boldly enraged her. She clenched her fists tightly, almost crushing them.
The urge to freeze him on the spot and tear his frozen limbs apart surged fiercely.
But it remained just a thought.
If she dared to touch Lawrence, who carried the authority of the Duke, who knew what might happen.
The loyalty of knightly families went beyond politics—it was a matter of honor.
And one more thing irritated her further.
Why did he come back alive again!? How did he even handle things?!
She had carefully completed her operation despite the risk.
Erasing Loria would have made things clean—but how did he survive?
Why had the Algeras Knights turned into undead again?
She had only employed the dark mage; Algeras had nothing to do with it…
Her head was about to explode from all these thoughts.
Even amidst this, Montemer’s closing ceremony continued.
The reason all participants were gathered in one place was to publicly reward achievements.
It was Montemer’s way of showing both evaluation and what benefits one could receive when dealing with him in the future.
Montemer’s amassed secret techniques, documents, jewels, and money…
If someone could take even one of these, it would be a profitable venture.
Edward handed a document to his close aide, Nikolai.
It contained a list of individuals deemed worthy of reward by the family head.
Nikolai slowly unfolded the document and began reading aloud.
“During the last expedition, the Usher family received a magic tome containing secrets of the 4th Circle.”
For a mage, a magic tome was an immensely valuable treasure.
It explained in detail how to accumulate mana and what was needed to create the next circle.
It even contained spells corresponding to each circle.
“Phew…”
“This is nerve-wracking.”
“I wonder who will get what this time?”
“The biggest reward has already…”
All eyes turned to Lawrence.
The one recognized by the Northern Duke.
The one who had eradicated the undead Algeras Knights and saved Loria.
The one who had accomplished so much—Lawrence.
“This is impossible.”
“How did that delinquent…?”
Whispers spread, but when Edward stepped forward, the crowd went silent.
The greatest magical lord had spoken. The one with the most outstanding achievements in this expedition was clear.
“Lawrence Montemer.”
“Yes, Head of House.”
“I recognize you as the most outstanding in this expedition. Speak your wish. Anything I can grant, I will.”
“I…”
Lawrence had pondered this moment for a long time.
What should he ask for? Knowing a rough outline of the future and possessing unique abilities, what choice should he make?
After days of contemplation, his conclusion was simple:
He must continuously improve and create new artifacts.
To do that, I must go there.
“I wish to enter Vigo.”
At Lawrence’s words, Nikolai, reading Edward’s intentions, spoke on his behalf.
A sort of interpreter.
“Vigo… What is it that you wish there?”
“Odds and ends.”
“….”
The absurdity of the answer left even Edward momentarily speechless.
And the reaction of those around?
No one could comprehend Lawrence’s purpose.
Receiving Edward’s gaze, Lawrence spoke again:
“I wish to find things that may seem useless to the world but are valuable to me, Head of House.”
“You are permitted.”
A faint smile appeared on Lawrence’s face.
He turned to look at Medea.
Looking into her eyes, brimming with anger, he seemed to understand.
Her vision would blur in the future, decisions would become rash.
Engulfed by anger, she would fail to see the grand plan and make the error of chasing small gains.
Lawrence’s dragon-derived power assessed it all.
I’ll watch. The moment you fall.
When her children crumble and everything she has built collapses…
Lawrence planned to smile lightly before her.
At least while in the Mage Tower, even Medea could not touch him easily.
Lawrence intended to complete all plans to bring her down there.
Nikolai, having received Edward’s message, spoke again.
His resonant voice filled the grand hall.
“Loria Montemer, Freya, the leader of the Phoenix Mage Corps, and her subordinates will also receive appropriate rewards.”
“Thank you!”
“A list of awards will be provided. Consider carefully. That is all.”
Nikolai bowed and quietly withdrew.
He brushed past Medea, still unable to control her anger, and whispered:
“Focus. Everyone is watching.”
“….”
Phew…
Her mana, finally restrained, calmed.
It was truly her turn, and now she had to suppress her anger fully.
She stepped forward with the document she had prepared.
Bowing to Edward, her eyes flickered with slight hostility.
But Edward, the head of Montemer, showed no expression, merely watching silently.
Ugh…
Meeting his gaze made her body feel stiff. Always.
Medea bit her lips until they ached, then lifted her head again.
It was time for the next event announcement.
“Thank you for your efforts. Next week, there will be a selection for entry into the Mage Tower. Rest and recover, and prepare for the new year.”
The selection for the Mage Tower.
A time to discern magical talent and select the best.
In his past life, Lawrence had not even been called to such a selection.
He had only lived day by day in a trash heap, struggling with magic that never worked.
This time will be different.
Now, with powers and artifacts in hand, his future would change.
Lawrence watched Medea explain at length, thinking:
Which Mage Tower should he enter to maximize his abilities?
Preferably somewhere no one cares about.
Before reincarnation, he had known little about Mage Towers or mages.
He only remembered rumors from the assassin uncle and the researchers.
“The master of the Iron Mage Tower was killed, right?”
“Because he found something valuable. But I don’t know; Venoman didn’t intervene.”
The assassin uncle’s words came to mind at the perfect timing.
Iron Mage Tower… There, he could steadily grow his power.
Why?
“They’re mages obsessed with muscles and meat.”
Somehow, his soul felt drawn.
#2
Vigo.
A space containing the essence of all Montemer.
Originally, someone other than Lawrence should have entered.
He could feel the envious, astonished, and resentful gazes of his siblings.
“Lucky, Lawrence. Congratulations.”
“Yeah. I don’t know how, but congratulations.”
His eldest brother and eldest sister said so, then disappeared.
The rest, however, had poured out curses.
If no one was watching, they would surely have harmed him.
“This is the place. You have three hours, and may only leave with one item.”
“Understood.”
No new artifacts existed in this world.
All enchanted items had either disappeared or were kept in secret family vaults.
Even mage staves only provided minor assistance based on their natural properties.
Most mages didn’t even have staves.
Seems like there are no separate artifacts. Even useless ones are worth millions of gold.
If there had been any [relics] called artifacts, the system would have informed him.
Or they would have been sold to supplement the family treasury.
Lawrence slowly looked around Vigo.
The space held more books than exceptional items.
Creeeeak.
A deliberately squeaky door opened.
The loud hinges echoed down the hallway.
“Let’s begin.”
“Yes.”
Three hours.
Time for Lawrence’s treasure hunt.
During this time, his goal was to find a suitable conduit.
Boom.
The door closed again.
The musty smell of books hit his nose.
Mixed with the scent of cleaning agents, it produced a peculiar fragrance.
Even attempting to take more than allowed would be futile.
The guardian had cataloged every speck of dust here.
Lawrence began inspecting the interior.
[A suitable conduit is detected here.]
“Heh, I knew it.”
[Location indicated.]
What kind of energy had reacted this time?
Lawrence’s heart raced as he approached.
Even among the towering piles of books, some usable items were visible.
[Conduit: 6th Circle Magic]
[Conduit: 8th Circle Magic]
[Conduit: 5th Circle Physical Enhancement Engraving]
[…]
Not only usable—he felt this would be a treasure he’d visit often.
And the extractions?
[Manifestation – Elemental Strike]
[Manifestation – Water Ray]
[Manifestation – Meteor Strike]
[…]
Mouth-watering spells.
He imagined casting them without long incantations.
A clear goal and anticipation for what he must obtain.
Then he saw an extraction that made him smile.
[A long-forgotten elemental grimoire]
[Engraving: Mental Counter]
[Grade: ??]
[Mental Counter: The spirit of the element remains unshakable.]
[Reflects or nullifies all mental attacks.]
[Depending on the opponent’s resistance, reflected spells may fail.]
[Crafting this artifact allows additional growth of the Dragon Body.]
“Cannot resist mental immunity.”
An extraction granting perfect immunity to mental attacks.
