Episode 1208
by CristaeThanks to that, the angel Apazragon experienced the unfairness of mortals firsthand.
“Why did you lose your dimension, hmm?”
“If you had a dimension like that, you should have managed it more carefully.”
-I don’t fully understand mortal habits, but usually in such situations, the ones who steal are punished. Why is it that both seekers and mages are blaming me…
The two professors ignored the angel’s protests—true to the Einrogard professor way.
“Luckily, now you have a chance to atone.”
“What a relief, isn’t it? You must’ve been bored waiting, Apazragon.”
-I do not feel emotions like boredom…
Apazragon tried to explain again.
Multidimensional celestials had little desire except for purpose. Beings like them did not get “bored” from merely waiting.
“Well, just open your dimension.”
“I promise it’ll be for a good cause, not anything bad.”
The professors dropped their act.
The Angel’s Divine Oblivion Dimension was like a shadow dimension—perfect for surreptitious observation.
The problem was that, after being robbed once, the angel had completely locked the dimension away.
As with all theft, those who move first have it easiest.
-I must refuse. Sharing a celestial’s dimension with mortals…
“You already shared it!”
“Right. You told Professor Baegrek!”
-That wasn’t actually…
Back and forth, the professors easily bewildered the angel, who was unused to human arguments.
“I heard you’re walking the path of the old mage. If you want to gain more wisdom at Einrogard, it’s best if you cooperate.”
“And by the way, our position is ‘professor.’ You may not know this, but within the domain it’s super powerful.”
The stick…
“If you cooperate, we’ll help you out in the future. Think who Lee Han’s teacher is.”
“We don’t even have to say which professor Lee Han admires most.”
…and the carrot.
Apazragon, still unaccustomed to mortal society, became increasingly confused in his judgments.
In the end, the angel surrendered and spoke.
-Very well. I will open the dimension. But let me accompany you as well.
“Suit yourself, suit yourself. Just hurry up and open it before Wardanaz gets too far.”
While Apazragon was opening his Divine Oblivion Dimension, Professor Garcia whispered with mild guilt.
“I do feel sort of bad for totally tricking an innocent angel.”
“Professor Kim, if that angel had managed his dimension better, Wardanaz wouldn’t have caused such chaos.”
“…Maybe we should check if he’s got any other useful powers? We should secure everything, just in case…”
Professor Garcia quickly firmed his resolve.
After all, his student had only recently pointed out his lack of combat strength.
Maybe it was time to cast off this weak-kneed attitude and snatch up everything he could.
Pop!
Having shifted from physical existence to conceptual form, the mages and angel landed near the swamp.
Sure enough, someone had already arrived. Spotting the rippling presences, Professors Kirmin and Garcia delivered a scathing welcome.
-So selfish, aren’t you.
-We searched for you the whole semester, and this is the thanks we get? Setting up a clone and sneaking out?
Professor Baegrek explained calmly.
-Moving in a group increases the odds of being discovered.
-…….
-…….
Both professors wanted to claw their way out of the dimension and strangle him in real life.
And if they could have, they likely would.
-…Let’s just watch. Losing our tempers only hurts us now.
-What’s happening? Everything okay?
Professor Garcia tried to adapt to this foreign dimension.
It took some adjustment to operate in a dimension like this.
For mortals, who act and perceive mainly through their senses grounded in physical flesh, taking in information as a pure concept was jarringly unfamiliar.
It was rather like focusing a lens.
Professor Baegrek, who’d come much earlier, had surely already adapted; Professor Garcia still was working on it…
-Using another cult’s evil god worshippers to fight.
-Pardon????
Professor Garcia flinched in panic.
He’d assumed they’d be fighting some dead, not…what?
He quickly focused, and the tangle of incoming information began to take shape.
And sure enough, just as Baegrek said, there really was another evil god cult present!
-What are they even… Ah.
Professor Garcia almost started shouting, then stopped.
He belatedly remembered his student had a contract with the Hag.
-In a foul, corrupted dimension like this, any manner of wicked being could show up. I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising.
-……
-……
Professors Kirmin and Baegrek stared at their junior.
Maybe loyalty has its limits, but really, wasn’t this too much?
-Baegrek, those guys are probably here because of Wardanaz’s contract. Like I said, he signed one with the Hag.
-The risky contract you didn’t stop, huh.
‘I ought to challenge him to a duel.’
Professor Kirmin shivered inwardly.
His friend’s most alarming trait was not that he did these things on purpose, but that he didn’t.
No matter how hard Kirmin tried, even mocking him a hundred times, what would be the point?
By sheer accident, his friend caused this level of chaos with no intent at all!
-Right. Someone suddenly ran off, but I won’t get into that now.
-But why isn’t Lee Han fighting?
Having checked further, Professor Garcia wondered aloud.
The area’s dead and the evil god cultists were locked in bloody combat, but Lee Han was hanging back, apparently just watching.
How was that possible?
-Looks like he’s tricked the cultists into becoming cannon fodder…
-How?
Professor Kirmin fell silent.
He honestly couldn’t think of a method.
How the heck did he do that?
‘Did he work out that level of detail with the Hag? Surely he couldn’t have planned the contract that precisely?’
Unable to find an answer, Professor Kirmin changed the subject.
-Are those dead… old western vampires?
-They’re the family’s elite guard.
His friend’s agreement raised new concerns for Professor Kirmin.
Strictly speaking, weren’t those the old nemesis?
Remembering the vengeance his friend had once shown, he couldn’t help but worry.
-Is he alright?
-They’re already dead. There’s nothing to worry about.
Professor Baegrek replied matter-of-factly. Contrary to Kirmin’s worry, this mage was not burning with vengeance.
The only thing currently on Baegrek’s mind:
Finishing off the evil god and wiping out the remaining cultists to prevent any future threat—nothing more.
-If they hadn’t chased us here, I’d have dealt with it myself.
To that, both professors coolly retorted.
-You ignored the headmaster too. Call it karma.
-If professors can act on their own, why can’t Lee Han do as he pleases?
-……
While they talked, the battle pressed on toward its finale.
The undying one’s evil god cultists took significant damage, but nearly drove the undead into the swamp.
Professor Garcia sighed in relief. Somehow, it seemed to have worked out.
Kurrung!
Beneath the swamp, a colossal, rusted, ruined fortress emerged.
Most of its walls were cracked or collapsed, with only a few towers still barely standing.
But the sinister power flowing from the wreckage and ruin was, if anything, growing stronger.
Professor Kirmin screwed up his face. That fortress looked somehow familiar.
-The Bloody Mist Fortress.
-!
The mention summoned Kirmin’s memory.
No wonder it seemed familiar—once, it was the stronghold of the rebellious western vampires.
-Best not to get close.
The dead wandering this territory had been evil god cultists in life—clinging to their faith, they had lost half their souls and now floated through the realm, suffering a punishment worse than any hell.
But that didn’t mean they weren’t dangerous.
Especially a fortress that bore witness to so much blood was thick with grudge and obsession—likely crawling with powerful undead.
-Agreed.
Professor Baegrek nodded.
There was no need to storm such a place just to get to Sangueros. They could investigate other routes and keep this as a last resort.
-…But Lee Han’s going in now.
-?!
Professor Kirmin was startled.
Sure enough, as Professor Garcia said, Wardanaz was entering the fortress without hesitation.
-Baegrek, you’ve used this dimension for a while—can you send a telepathic message from inside?
Angel Apazragon answered firmly.
-That’s not how dimensions like this work.
It was for travel and observation, not for messaging and communication.
-I sent one.
-……
Apazragon was flabbergasted.
When had he secretly made modifications?
-Well done.
-A mortal, tampering with a celestial dimension as if it’s nothing…
-Could you be quiet, please? I need to focus on my student.
Under this storm of mortal mischief, Apazragon felt a flicker of emotion stir within him.
It was a feeling almost extinct in the celestial race, but constant provocation was bringing it up…
-Wait. Wardanaz is just going in there? Did you really send a message?
-I did.
-Isn’t he just ignoring his professor?
An awkward silence filled the dimension.
Professor Kirmin cleared his throat.
-Well, all students are like that sometimes. You were, too.
It wasn’t a helpful thing to say.
Professor Garcia thought the atmosphere in this little dimension really was stifling.
‘Maybe it needs some air?’
-It may be reckless, but it’s not incomprehensible.
Hamster, surprisingly, respected Lee Han’s decision to enter the fortress.
Maria of Sangueros’s voice echoed from inside the revealed fortress.
Very impressive, very impressive. Hahaha… If you have confidence, come inside the fortress. There are all sorts of magics within that will tempt you, magician. Hahahaha…
None of the others noticed, but Lee Han could hear it.
Hamster thought it was a bet worth trying.
Though the rebellion wiped out many families, the western vampires of the empire had a long history. Who knew what legacy might be hidden here?
And didn’t the Yaksha King say he sensed magical energy in this swamp?
If that wise king had pointed the way, there really might be some powerful magics to find.
Moreover, even Sangueros was showing a favorable attitude to this bratty magician.
-It’s not wise to trust a tainted evil god too much, but so far it’s been useful. Look for the magic.
“Huh? Magic?”
-…Didn’t you come in here for the magic?
“I was more curious about what exactly happened in the past.”
-……
For a moment, Hamster was struck dumb.
The evil god literally just mentioned magic, and you think some old story is more important?
If you’re curious, read a history book!