Chapter 66 : Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Choice (3)

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

My Dragon Heart pounded fiercely, as if beating a drum.

Though it wasn’t a combat situation, I released all restrictions, letting the Dragon Heart run wild.

Unrestrained, powerful mana surged forth, glowing with white light.

The mana filling my body began to naturally overflow.

My mana slowly started to fill the space.

“I saw it during the entrance exam, but it’s truly remarkable,” Labella said softly.

During the entrance exam, when I unleashed a flood of mana, many mages were astonished.

Since then, my mana control had surprised even more people, but just releasing mana was enough to draw the mages’ attention.

Now, I was using far more mana than I had back then.

Before long, the entire space where the mages were gathered was completely filled with my mana.

“Ha… It’s an almost brutal amount,” Mumbel, who had seemed brimming with pride as a mage, had no choice but to acknowledge it.

“There’s still a lot more to show,” I said confidently.

I couldn’t stop here.

Since I’d started, I intended to show everything I was capable of.

I fully sensed the mana that filled the entire space.

Then I began to alter its properties.

I focused deeply on the mana pulsing from my heart, envisioning it gathering together.

Immediately, the mana’s properties began to change.

“Oh…”

Gasps of awe erupted from all around.

The mana, which had been spread widely, started to converge at a single point.

I drew the Branch of the World Tree.

The mana that had been scattered in all directions infused the blade.

The sensation of tightly compressed mana enveloped me, giving me the exhilarating feeling that

I could cut through anything.

The mark of a Fifth-Rank warrior.

“This is my aura.”

As I finished speaking, thunderous applause broke out.

* * *

After returning from the Erosion Zone, Eidon was busy researching the dark mage’s clone.

The fact that a clone, which should have been bound to its caster, didn’t vanish was a phenomenon never observed before.

It might even become a breakthrough for advancing the Frost Magic Tower’s ice magic.

Through this research, Eidon reportedly earned the opportunity to present at the Tower

Exchange.

I wasn’t idle either.

After visiting the Erosion Zone, the research department conducted extensive new studies on demonic energy.

I had to memorize the analyses and hypotheses about demonic energy being researched within the department.

I believed that every piece of this data would help me find a way to defeat the Demon King in the future.

In my spare time, I visited the agency to earn merit points as a solver and didn’t neglect my duties as a Tello agent.

I immediately relayed the Empire’s war plans, which I’d heard from Labella, to Tello.

Though many agents handling the Empire had suspected such plans, I was reportedly the first to receive confirmation from someone of imperial blood.

My report kept Tello quite busy.

I also maintained regular contact with comrades tracking demons.

In particular, Keldric and Blaze’s group was thrilled, saying they’d found a clue to tracking a demon.

They were gradually pinpointing its location and confidently promised good results soon.

Derix and Arandir hadn’t achieved clear results yet, but they were tirelessly traversing the continent at that very moment.

Amid these busy days, my routine always ended with a visit to the research department.

After demonstrating my mana capacity and control, the research on the magic I would use accelerated.

All the mages in the department gathered, pouring their efforts into creating a new magic.

I became a sort of test subject, assisting with experiments on the magic and formulas they developed.

Unlike the theories, which I could somewhat follow, learning magic circles was not easy.

“It’s okay if you don’t understand,” Labella said. “The magic Polarin-nim will use isn’t drawn with magic circles.”

“But everyone else uses magic circles.”

“We can only understand and implement magic through magic circles.”

I couldn’t easily grasp her cryptic words, but I couldn’t complain.

Everyone was working so hard for me.

According to Labella and the other mages, the magic I would use was fundamentally different from existing magic.

My magic could only be used by someone who could freely manipulate mana according to their will. It was closer to a miracle than a spell.

With the Tower Exchange approaching, Labella finally announced the completion of the magic.

* * *

Knock, knock.

I opened the door to the research lab and found Labella sitting at her desk with her usual expression.

But upon closer inspection, a faint smile lingered on her lips.

“The magic is complete. At least in theory, it’s perfect. We’ve run multiple calculations. Now it’s time for you to prove it.”

“Thank you so much,” I said, expressing my gratitude.

I knew how much effort Labella and the research department had put into creating the magic I would use.

“I never thought I’d say this, but… if Polarin-nim can successfully perform this magic, I might ask you to participate in the Tower Exchange.”

“Really? If I can help, I’d be glad to join anytime.”

Ostrum was currently enveloped in a strange fervor.

The annual festival where all the magic towers gathered, the Tower Exchange, was just a week away.

“Do you know what the Tower Exchange is?” Labella asked.

“Of course. Despite being united under the name of magic towers, they’re not exactly friendly. It’s an event where they gather to compete and see who’s the strongest.”

Labella shook her head, as if exasperated, but she knew my rough summary wasn’t entirely wrong.

Each magic tower, an independent entity, was filled with individuals passionate about magic and equally competitive.

Many believed their tower’s magic was the best.

These towers gathered to share their annual achievements.

It was called an “exchange,” but it was practically a massive magical battlefield.

“If Polarin-nim can successfully use the magic… the research department might experience a different kind of Tower Exchange.”

Unfortunately, the research department had always played a supporting role at the Tower Exchange.

Unlike other towers that drew attention by immediately demonstrating their developed magic, the research department focused on presenting papers.

Presenting research results was an important part of the Exchange, but the highlight was undeniably the live magic demonstrations.

Thus, the research department struggled to stand out among the more prominent towers.

If I could help in this situation, I wanted to participate.

“All the mages in the department will gather to watch the first demonstration. They’re preparing, so come out when you’re ready.”

“Thank you so much.”

I was both stunned and excited.

As I took a deep breath to head out, my communicator buzzed.

It was the communicator for the Crows that Blaze had given me.

I’d promised to tell my comrades once the magic was complete, and the timing was perfect.

I tapped the communicator and greeted cheerfully, “Yes, Blaze-nim, I’m responding.”

- Huff, huff…

But instead of a reply, Blaze let out ragged breaths.

It seemed he was in a dire situation.

“Blaze-nim, Blaze-nim? What’s wrong?”

- Polarin! We found the demon that escaped the Dome.

“Great work. But… are you being chased?”

- Ugh, yes. A fight broke out, and Kiyot’s condition isn’t good.

“What? Is Kiyot-hyung okay?”

- Huff, huff, we’re escaping for now… but I don’t know how much longer we can keep running.

The demon that escaped the Dome reportedly had formidable power.

Even with Keldric, Blaze, Kiyot, and Siriel’s growth, it wasn’t an opponent they could face head-on.

“Where are you now?”

- Huff, huff We're in Manoa.

“Head toward the Imperial Capital for now. I’ll join you as quickly as I can.”

- I’ll cut the communication here. I’ll contact the Crows too, so you inform Tello… Argh!

Blaze couldn’t finish his sentence.

Instead, his scream echoed through the communicator.

Fortunately, Manoa wasn’t too far from Ostrum.

If Blaze managed to escape toward the Imperial Capital, the forces there might notice the disturbance and mobilize.

But I couldn’t be certain things would go so smoothly.

The situation was urgent. I burst through the door.

The moment I stepped out, I was met with the expectant gazes of Labella and the research department mages.

The problem was that I couldn’t meet their expectations right now.

I briefly reported to Labella alone.

“Labella-nim, I’m so sorry, but I have to go somewhere immediately. The magic demonstration will have to be postponed.”

“Must you go now?”

“My comrades are in danger. I have to help them right away.”

“No choice, then.”

Labella handed me a crystal orb.

“Don’t take risks alone like last time. If you need help, speak into the orb anytime.”

“…Thank you.”

Of course, I needed help.

But with the Tower Exchange just a week away, I knew the research department mages hadn’t prepared much for it, having focused on my magic.

“The Tower Exchange is in a week. Can you return before then?”

“I’ll know once I get there.”

“Alright. Come back quickly. And stay safe.”

The expectation in Labella’s eyes faded, replaced by worry.

But I had no time to continue the conversation.

I rushed out the door, pushing through the crowd.

Once the crowd thinned, I would spread the [Wings of Ainsitel].

Then another message came.

This time, it wasn’t through the communicator but a voice resonating in my mind.

- Polarin, I found the demon who made a prophecy about you.

“Really? It could be dangerous, so please stay safe for now.”

- The fight’s already started.

Why now, of all times?

Derix had suspected the demon who made the prophecy would be stronger than him.

Arandir was with him, but would they be okay?

Arandir had said the compatibility between spirits and demons wasn’t great.

“Can you hold out?”

- I’ll try. It won’t be easy, though.

Even Arandir’s voice, usually so dignified as a high-rank sand spirit, trembled.

It was unfamiliar.

“Where are you?”

- Crimson Basin.

Crimson Basin was in the opposite direction of Manoa.

Why now?

Why were these things happening all at once?

And who should I go help?

I gritted my teeth.

I had to make a choice.

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