Chapter 42 : Chapter 42

Chapter 42

“That’s…”

“Clode…?”

Only then did the three professors recognize the Clode around Eddie’s neck.

But still harboring doubts, they maintained a facade of composure.

Eddie, with a faint smile, expressed satisfaction at their reaction.

‘Good. Even if they trust Leodimir and Fred and recognize Clode, they shouldn’t show agitation yet.’

He hadn’t expected them to let their guard down immediately.

The second-generation Palamedes mages weren’t so careless.

So, Eddie decided to present the most definitive proof to these admirable disciples of his disciples.

Flash-!

As Eddie’s golden eyes gleamed, Clode’s mana essence of three mages poured forth.

Like with Fred, Eddie showed the three professors his memories through the unique spell Illusion Veil.

But there was one difference.

The mana unfolding the Illusion Veil for each professor came from different mages.

For Rick, the mana of his master, Yuria.

For Brenda, the mana of her master, Macloren.

And for Kenneth, the mana of his master, Gianni.

Using different powers as mediums, Eddie unfolded the Illusion Veil.

Having rehearsed with Fred, he wielded the mana of three others simultaneously without faltering.

Compared to right after his reincarnation, his abilities had recovered dramatically.

‘…How is this possible?’

The three professors weren’t the only ones shocked.

Leodimir, feeling the mana of old comrades for the first time in ages, felt chills down his spine.

The all-too-familiar mana made him feel as if he’d returned to the past for a moment.

‘If he can do this with a 14-year-old body, he might truly fulfill those words.’

Eddie had said after visiting Pasquier that he’d become incomparably stronger than in his past life.

His resolute voice was as confident as ever, but Leodimir had been skeptical.

Not because he doubted his master.

But because he wondered if it was possible to surpass his past life’s strength.

But now.

“…Gasp.”

“No… impossible…”

“…”

Seeing the professors completely enthralled by the Illusion Veil tailored to each and their memories, certainty grew.

The certainty that the reincarnated Eddie would become stronger than the past Edmund.

The second-generation mages, feeling their masters’ mana, also shed all doubts about Eddie.

No further explanation was needed.

Like with Fred, Eddie had done his utmost to prove his identity to the other three.

It was also an expression of gratitude to those who remained with Palamedes despite adversity.

“…I greet Sir Edmund von Kirhausen…”

Rick was the first to speak.

He turned toward Eddie at the head seat and bowed respectfully.

Following Rick, Brenda, Fred, Leodimir, and Kenneth bowed.

The stalled clock of Palamedes began ticking again after 30 years.

***

Eddie and the five Palamedes members finally faced each other.

Regardless of age, they sat upright, awaiting Eddie’s words.

Meeting the gaze of each of the five mages, Eddie spoke.

Per Palamedes’ principle of mutual respect in meetings, except for direct master-disciple relations, he spoke politely to his disciples’ disciples.

“You must have many questions and things you want to hear in this sudden situation. But before all that, I want to clarify the ultimate purpose of this meeting.”

“…”

“I intend to reclaim Kirhausen and rebuild Palamedes.”

“…!”

A short but certain declaration.

Though expected, it resonated far more powerfully than anticipated.

The professors stared at Eddie, momentarily losing their sense of reality at his dreamlike words.

With a firm voice, Eddie continued.

“But I cannot achieve it with my strength alone. To exact world-shaking revenge, I desperately need your help.”

“Ah…”

Rick let out a faint groan, his rugged demeanor betraying the overwhelming emotion he couldn’t suppress.

Brenda and Fred felt no less stirred.

What a dreamlike moment.

The days of scheming in the shadows, relying on Leodimir’s protection, flashed through their minds.

No longer would they wander like lost adventurers, at risk of danger.

A clear milestone had been set: to reclaim Kirhausen, the foundation of Palamedes, and rebuild the organization.

“Your goal is our Palamedes’ aspiration. We will stand with you to the end.”

“Please, just tell us what you need.”

Rick and Brenda first showed their resolute commitment to Eddie.

The same passion burned in Leodimir and Fred’s eyes.

But.

“…”

One person still hadn’t readily pledged to help Eddie.

All eyes naturally turned to the remaining one.

Yet he kept his gaze lowered, emotions visibly complex.

It was a while before he looked at Eddie.

Eddie didn’t urge a response or ask for reasons, simply meeting his gaze quietly.

‘Kenneth Devon.’

The most senior of the second-generation Palamedes mages, he had been with Eddie in his past life, like Leodimir.

He was also the disciple of Gianni Monvero, Eddie’s painful memory.

‘In my past life, I only saw him as Gianni’s young disciple. Facing him as a professor now feels profound.’

Eddie carefully studied the face of the middle-aged mage.

The last time he saw him was three months before Edmund’s death, at a Palamedes master-disciple meeting in Shainborough.

Gianni Monvero’s prized disciple, a talent destined to lead the prominent Devon family.

It reminded Eddie of when he took Leodimir as a disciple, and he had been pleased when Kenneth joined.

But now, concern outweighed joy.

“…”

Even now, Eddie saw complex emotions in Kenneth’s gaze.

He was slightly different from the other second-generation Palamedes mages.

Kenneth followed not Edmund von Kirhausen but solely his master, Gianni Monvero.

Eddie read a small but clear resentment in Kenneth’s eyes.

Yet, rather than feeling disappointed by his unhidden attitude, Eddie felt relieved.

Resenting him still meant Kenneth’s feelings for Gianni and affection for Palamedes remained strong.

‘I’ll make up for the shortcomings of my past life. Even in these emotional matters.’

Someday, he would resolve these lingering feelings.

With that thought, Eddie withdrew his gaze from Kenneth.

Though Kenneth didn’t pledge to follow like Rick and Brenda, his presence here meant he shared their intent.

Feeling gratitude again, Eddie looked at them all.

“Thank you. Now, let’s begin forming a concrete plan.”

***

The first step of the plan was organizing information.

The six Palamedes mages shared what they had learned.

Eddie and Leodimir shared findings from recent investigations into Pasquier and Sylvia.

The professors shared trends in the magical world from their time at the academy and news of Palamedes members outside who might join.

Upon hearing about Noah poisoned by Nymph’s Venom and Opsigno, they all reacted similarly.

Anger, urgency.

And hope with resolute determination.

“We’ll do our utmost to find a way to neutralize the venom.”

Even Kenneth was no exception to this response.

Facing four pairs of determined eyes as firm as his own, Eddie renewed his hope.

Then he began explaining his plan in earnest.

The plan to conquer the Kirhausen he had built to its peak.

The grand process, though explained concisely, took a long time.

Fred neatly summarized the lengthy explanation.

“Then the original will stored in Pantheon should be used as the final blow. Though it’s a credible document, we must first dismantle the power and influence of the current Kirhausen trying to suppress it.”

Eddie nodded at Fred’s clear and cool-headed summary.

Everyone here had painfully learned that powerless words held no meaning.

Thus, they needed to grow their strength while削減 the current Kirhausen’s power.

To do that:

“We need to identify where their power comes from and where it flows.”

In his past life, Eddie had neglected this and paid the price, losing everything except his grandson’s life.

This time, he intended to thoroughly dissect and crush his enemies.

Fortunately, the gathered information clearly revealed the current Kirhausen’s weaknesses.

“It seems clear that the current Kirhausen has allied with an external force using impure power.”

Everyone nodded at Fred’s words.

“It might not just be outside the magical world. Considering their power, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’re in contact with foreign forces.”

“Exactly. There are many small nations on the continent eager to be annexed into Luxorin’s territory. If they could ally with a great imperial family, they’d willingly undertake illicit acts.”

“Perhaps they’re even training a group of heretical mana users with external forces. That Circe, Sylvia, might be a key figure in that process.”

“Hmm…”

Eddie paused to think at the professors’ speculations.

He recalled the results of Leodimir’s investigation into Circe’s status.

According to Leodimir’s sources, none of the Circes known to the imperial family were suspicious.

Most worked as “Discerners” in the Imperial Inspection Department, and those who didn’t were retired, elderly Circes living quietly.

There could be an unknown Circe, but that was unlikely.

A single Circe could identify the whereabouts of all others through their ability.

Besides Insight, Circes had a unique ability called “Connection.”

Through Connection, they shared memories, enabling them to confirm each other’s survival and location.

Unless all 30 imperial Circes had their memories manipulated, an unknown Circe was implausible.

‘Besides, Circes aren’t beings who join specific factions. There’s no reason for them to lie about Sylvia.’

When asked if any Circes were employed by specific families, the cooperating Discerner Circe had been outraged.

It was natural, given their pride in their abilities and honor.

So, where did Sylvia Patman, an exception defying all Circe traits, come from?

“The cooperating Discerner Circe said there was no trace of Sylvia in her memories.”

“Yes. That means either Sylvia Patman isn’t a Circe, or the current Kirhausen has control over even the Discerners.”

“The latter is nearly impossible. If they controlled 30 Circes, they’d have taken over the entire empire by now.”

But the former was also strange.

The mana Eddie felt from Sylvia was unmistakably a Circe’s.

He had faced multiple Insight attempts and countered with Reverse, so there was no mistake.

What was going on?

Did a mutant Circe suddenly appear and get recruited by Kirhausen?

Unable to grasp it, Eddie’s brow furrowed.

Despite Leodimir’s excellent investigation, only a dark labyrinth loomed.

Then, Kenneth, who had been silent, spoke.

“If they crafted a vessel containing a Circe’s abilities, it would make sense.”

All eyes turned to Kenneth at his novel suggestion.

Eddie was the first to grasp its meaning.

“…!”

His eyes widened gradually.

After a pause, Kenneth elaborated.

“I mean the possibility that the Circe named Sylvia… is a homunculus.”

“…!”

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