Episode 371

Episode 371

Amazingly, there was.

“My family does belong to the Beechwood Knights…”

“What a coincidence! I just happened to be invited by the knights of the Beechwood Knights!”

“You were invited?”

The knights were quite surprised at Lee Han’s words.

Usually, there was no reason for a magician to be invited to a gathering of knightly families.

Unless they had really owed a huge debt…

“The knights of the Beechwood Knights were truly excellent knights. They were so insistent about repaying their favor to me…”

“Our order is indeed like that.”

The knight, having heard Lee Han’s compliment, replied with a relieved look.

Of course, Lee Han cursed that knight inwardly.

Indeed, what do you mean by that!

“I didn’t know you were a magician so close with the knights.”

“Exactly. If we had known, we would have invited you as soon as you arrived in the village.”

If you befriended one knight, it was possible to become friendly with the other nearby knights as well.

From the knights’ perspective, there was no reason not to welcome Lee Han, who appeared to have deep ties not only with their comrade but also with the Beechwood Knights.

After a suitable amount of conversation back and forth, Lee Han subtly asked the seniors.

“By the way, what is it that you wanted to ask me for?”

“Oh. We wanted you to drive out suspicious people from the village, even if it means being a bit forceful…”

‘As expected.’

Even if it sounded like a somewhat unreasonable request, it was well within the knights’ abilities if they put their minds to it.

The reason the knights didn’t drive away the travelers flocking to the village wasn’t because they lacked the ability or authority, but because they didn’t want to cause unnecessary commotion.

If the expelled travelers caused a scene and spread bad rumors all over the place, it would only be a hassle, so for those who had received permission, they would be let through for now.

Just as easily, if they wanted to, they could find an excuse to drive people out.

It wasn’t as if the seniors were asking him to drive away all other travelers—just to drive out those who were blatantly suspicious, so this much was…

“…And I also asked if, while we’re going in, you could block other travelers from coming in.”

“…Let me ask again, without that part?”

Lee Han was appalled at these shameless seniors.

• * *

Amazingly, the knights even agreed to their shameless request.

“You’re the benefactor of the Beechwood Knights, after all. We ought to do this much for you.”

“What is a knight’s honor otherwise?”

‘This is more like corruption than honor…’

That’s what Lee Han thought, but since he was on the receiving end of the favor, he kept his mouth shut.

He never imagined they would go so far as to grant even that request.

“If there are any suspicious travelers, I am sure that would bother you magicians.”

“We’ll send them outside the village and adjust the entry order for you.”

The knights escorted Lee Han’s party to the square in the middle of the village. The seniors, seeing the knights waving and yelling for them to enter safely, said,

“You don’t think the Wardanaz family bribed those knights, do you?”

“Even if they did, I doubt it would be to this extent…”

“No, we just know each other.”

“That’s just knowing each other…!?”

“Wow, was just ‘knowing’ someone this powerful?”

The seniors grew confused at Lee Han’s absurd excuse.

If this was what being acquaintances meant, then what on earth was everything they had done up until now?

“Anyway, you really did well. Thanks to you, we can enter comfortably.”

“Why don’t you go out and have some fun in the village, like the other first years? It’s supposed to be our job, but you’re handling everything for us and it’s…”

—How dare you use a dark magic curse deck!? Are you looking down on me!?

—What’s it to you what cards I use! Don’t make excuses for losing!

“…Just don’t play like that.”

“Hurry, go and stop them!”

At Direte’s shout, the seniors hurriedly ran off.

• * *

Dressed like a pleasure-seeker enjoying his travels, Parkdgul sat on the first floor of the -Chirping Sparrow- Inn.

Just like the other magicians and travelers, Parkdgul had rented out the entire inn.

Not only did it make things more convenient for his activities…

…but also because the Anti-Magic Faction were not normally welcomed as guests in the Empire.

Parkdgul sat, looking flustered.

“Expelled, you say?”

“Yes…”

“Try explaining again.”

“Well, it’s like this.”

His subordinate, flustered, calmly explained again.

First, two parties were expelled from the village by the knights for being suspicious, and another party was kicked out for causing a huge scene during some magician card game.

Parkdgul’s jaw dropped wide.

After going through all the trouble of hiring parties, gaining permission for them to enter the dimension, and all they had to do was wait to go in—

—Three of his four parties had been expelled.

It was so ridiculous he could hardly believe it.

Parkdgul scratched his cheek and lowered his voice.

“They weren’t found out, were they?”

“N-no, absolutely not.”

The subordinate hastily denied it.

Because, although he looked outwardly like a lazy, well-off drifter, he knew full well the cold-blooded killer inside who could kill his own subordinates without hesitation.

“If we were found out, there’d be no reason not to target us and just expel the other parties. It would only raise their guard for no reason!”

“That’s true…”

Parkdgul thought his subordinate’s words sounded reasonable.

If their status as Anti-Magic Faction had truly been discovered, they would have surrounded the inn immediately—there’d be no point in expelling the other pawns and raising their guard.

It had to be a real coincidence.

“I guess one of the knights’ superiors came, or maybe they just found some other reason to pick a fight. Good grief…”

Parkdgul fell silent, pondering what to do next.

Right now, the highest priority for Parkdgul’s gang was to collect as many Sanhwan Mushrooms as possible.

For the grand plan, these rare mushrooms were needed in mountains.

That was why he’d brought all those adventurers and mercenaries, only for his workforce to shrink before even starting.

“It can’t be helped. For now, send word to those waiting outside.”

“What should I tell them?”

“Tell them to recover the gold coins from the ones who got expelled.”

“Parkdgul, judging from the types you hired, I don’t think they’ll hand it over willingly in this situation…”

Normally, the ones who took on these jobs were dodgy and rough, so even if they failed the job due to their own mistake, most wouldn’t return the contract fee willingly.

“Of course, I don’t mean just ask for it nicely. Tell them to kill and take it.”

“M-my apologies.”

“We’ll have to go in with just one party… Never mind the knights picking fights, what’s up with that guy who got expelled for playing some magician card game? Tell them to kill him painfully, especially.”

“He seemed angry that his opponent used a dark magic curse deck and won.”

“…Seriously… Even with bad luck, this is just filthy. To run into such a lowlife in a remote village like this.”

“Yes. It’s really hard to believe.”

“Fine. Then just kill him easily.”

Parkdgul rescinded his previous order.

If they’d come across a person like that, he could understand even if they caused a riot.

“If things get any more tangled, I won’t forgive it. You understand, right? There must be no more mistakes.”

“Y-yes, I understand. Don’t worry! I’ve already buttered up the knights properly. They’ll notify us at least a day earlier than the others!”

• * *

“Shh. Everyone, come out quietly. The dimension is getting close. It will open within the hour.”

As the knights carefully knocked and entered the inn in the middle of the night to whisper, Professor Mortum grew flustered.

Then, looking at the students from the Dark Magic School, he asked,

“Cough… How much did you pay them? Don’t tell me you used up all the club funds?”

“No, Professor.”

“This junior convinced them.”

Professor Mortum looked at Lee Han as if he were a monster, then nodded.

“Good that they’re giving us advance notice. Cough. Let’s get going.”

As the magicians streamed out, the knights said confidently,

“We’ll try to keep this from everyone else as much as possible. With luck, you could have a two-day head start.”

“…Is this really okay?”

Lee Han, who had been holding it in, finally couldn’t help but ask.

Is this really okay??

“For honor, this much is nothing.”

“Have a safe trip.”

“……”

Lee Han wondered what exactly knightly honor meant as he walked on.

Since it wasn’t even dawn yet, the students walked down the path yawning.

“!”

Lee Han’s expression was the first to harden. Professor Mortum, seeing it, said admiringly,

“You already sensed the mana? Even I haven’t yet.”

“Ah. Gainando ate all of his snacks…”

“……”

Professor Mortum felt sheepish for no reason.

Then the group walked on again.

“!!”

“…Did you actually sense mana…”

“Yes.”

“Cough, impressive!”

Professor Mortum praised Lee Han. Luckily, this time he really had sensed mana.

“Negative mana is surging, is this the overlap?”

“Right. Stagnant mana receives a sudden burst of environmental influence, causing explosive anomalies.”

Professor Mortum pointed ahead.

It was already dark, but the magicians could sense an even deeper darkness settling over that existing gloom.

“It’s coming.”

“Juniors, stay in the back. Don’t get hurt by standing up front for no reason.”

Boom!

A powerful surge of magic burst forth—one only magicians could feel.

It was so strong that the seniors nearby staggered or fell to their knees.

Direte barely kept his balance as he looked back at the first years behind him.

“Is everyone alr— all right.”

“It’s only Lee Han who’s okay…!”

Gainando, who had fallen on top of Raphadael, got up grumbling.

Everyone except Lee Han was sprawled on the ground.

“It’s open. Let’s go in!”

“Yes!”

“For gold coins! For abundant dark magic research!”

While chanting embarrassing slogans before others, the seniors began to run.

The knights tilted their heads and asked,

“What kind of magic was that just now…”

“We’ll see you next time!”

Lee Han hurried in with his friends.

• * *

“Dammit. It’s a cave.”

“No luck at all.”

“Think positive. Mushrooms actually show up more often in caves.”

The students of the Dark Magic School grumbled after passing through the dimensional gate.

The terrain of another dimension didn’t come out according to the magician’s wishes. You had to be lucky to some extent.

The best was a wide-open terrain, good for moving around…

But dark, narrow, twisted caves were not favorable.

“Cough. Remember what you’ve learned. Be as careful as possible with magic. Even more cautious with dark magic. Avoid fights if possible…”

With that, Professor Mortum waved his staff. The Dark Vision spell covered everyone present.

“…Move slowly. Don’t make loud sounds. Don’t let your bodies heat up.”

“Professor, may I ask a question?”

Lee Han asked cautiously.

“Cough. What is it?”

“Is my mana going to be okay? Since I have so much…”

One senior, standing nearby, tried to reassure him.

“If you have a lot of mana, things get more tangled, but it’s okay. I’ll put on some ointment for you.”

“Cough. That’s not enough for him.”

“……”

“……”

“And it doesn’t matter. With your level of mana, the first sector undead will probably just run away.”

The seniors were appalled.

Of course, they had learned that if your mana was beyond just a bit high—if it was overwhelming—it would have an oppressive effect, but…

…to actually see it in person!

“Senior?”

“Wh-why are you calling, junior?”

“……”