Chapter 2
On the stone-paved roads in Arwintar, a carriage sped by like the wind. It was due to the mighty creature pulling the luxurious carriage was an horse, as rare as expensive: a Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse.
Two skilled-looking warriors were seated on the front platform, on the roof of the carriage. The area where the luggage was usually stored had been modified to seat a group of four magic casters and archers, who were watching the surrounding with wary eyes. It could be described as a mobile stronghold traveling under high security in broad daylight. And of course, the one riding inside was of a fittingly high status. Just by looking at the emblem on the side of the carriage, which consisted of three overlapping staffs, everyone in the Empire would be able to tell who was sitting inside and who the owner of this carriage was. As such, the knights standing guard did not make any sound.
There were three men inside the carriage. All of them wore robes and were dressed like magic casters. Although all three were famous figures within the Empire, even among them there was a clear difference in their attitude and status. The white haired elderly man clearly had the highest status among them. Similar to how Gazef Stronoff was renowned as a warrior, there was no magic caster who was more famous than this man. This was the most powerful magic caster in the Empire, 'Tri Arts' Fluder Paradyne.
Opposite Fluder were his two best disciples, both of whom could use magic up to the 4th tier.
As though he could no longer endure the heavy atmosphere, one of the disciple sheepishly said:
"Fluder-sensei, what should we do about his Imperial Majesty's orders? How can we possibly learn about this Jaldabaoth?"
Silence took over the carriage once again. The moment they thought that was the case, Fluder answered in a deep and calm voice.
"If his Imperial Majesty wishes it, we as his vassals can only carry out his orders and begin our investigation. However, it is too risky to investigate using magical means. Should we start by studying the archives or conducting a demon summoning? In the end, we still need to gather information."
"Are you saying that even you do not know, Master?"
Fluder closed his eyes to prevent the disciple to see he was rolling them while thinking If I knew something, I'd have told Jircniv! and then opened them again.
"I am not all-knowing. I have never heard about the powerful demon Jaldabaoth."
About one month ago, a large group of demons assaulted the Kingdom's capital. According to the intelligence they gathered, Jaldabaoth and his demon maid were extremely powerful yet horrifying beings from another plane of existence.
Because of the demon crisis, the annual invasion against the Kingdom hadn't been launched yet, even if . Thinking normally, the Empire should have taken advantage of the situation and attacked the Kingdom immediately, while they were still exhausted from the demon invasion.
However, there were two reasons why the Empire waged war against the Kingdom.
The first reason was to exhaust the resources of the Kingdom. Unlike the Empire that formed standing armies, the Kingdom conscripted their soldiers. Hence, the Kingdom would lose in terms of quality every time the Empire mobilized its forces, so they had to make it up with the quantity of their troops. That was the reason why they picked the harvest season to wage war. The farmers would be conscripted and unable to harvest their crops, which was a long term plan to sap the resources of the Kingdom.
The other reason was to weaken the power of the nobles within the Empire. During the war, they imposed special taxes on nobles who opposed the Emperor and drained them of their money. If they refused, they would be would be charged with treason. In the end, the only difference was tightening the noose on their necks or killing them for expressing a wrong idea.
As those were the reasons, the Kingdom which was already spent from the battle could be left alone, that was the current conclusion of Emperor Jircniv. He had pulled the fangs of most of the nobles anyway.
However, there was still one problem. Where was Jaldabaoth now, the one who committed such atrocities? And how powerful was a demon that had created such calamity?
It was only natural for the order to investigate Jaldabaoth to fall on Fluder, the most outstanding magic caster in the Empire. And also the ones who defeated Jaldabaoth, the adventurers of the team Thunder & Lightning. In addition to the mysterious magic caster Ainz Ooal Gown who had recently appeared.
"How fascinating. Are all the hidden heroes starting to make their move? Maybe a fierce battle similar to the fight against the demon god two hundred years ago will happen once again."
"... Will that really happen?"
"I have no idea, but only a fool would make preparations after the fact. Being ready before it happens is the action of a wise man."
The carriage finally reached its destination.
The vast territory was surrounded by thick, high walls with several watchtowers overlooking it, guarding against dangers coming from both outside and inside. Multiple chosen knights, all from the elite 1st Knight Order that was the best out of the eight Knight Orders of the Empire, formed teams with magic casters and made regular patrols.
Up in the sky were the personal guards under the direct jurisdiction of the Emperor, imperial air guards mounted on flying beasts known as gryphons, and even high-level magic casters using flight magic.
This was the symbol of the Empire's might, and the place where past emperors had invested the most efforts in, the Magic Ministry. Production of magic equipment for the knights, development of new spells, raising the standard of living through all sorts of experiments, the essence of the Empire's magic knowledge was all here. And the man who was in charge, although someone else was the minister of magic, was Fluder Paradyne.
The carriage moved through the territory and finally stopped before the innermost tower.
One common thing about the various buildings they passed by was the large number of people entering and exiting. However, there was hardly anyone going in and out of this tower. In contrast, the security at the entrance was beyond that of the other buildings. First was how security looked.
They were not from the 1st Knight Order that could be seen everywhere in the vicinity. They wore full plate armor imbued with magic, holding magic shields and had magic weapons hanging at their waist. Their crimson capes, sewn with the emblem of the Empire, were magical as well.
The imbued magic might not be that powerful, but such equipment was not something normal knights were outfitted with, even in the Empire. These elite knights were the Imperial Earth Guards under the direct command of the Emperor.
The magic casters beside them were equally formidable. They were veterans and proficient in battles, emitting an aura that could rival veteran warriors. And there was more muscles: four 2.5m tall stone golems guarded the entrance. With no need for food nor rest and never lazing off, they were most suited for security.
This place, which had a security system that was on par with the one protecting the emperor, only allowed entry to magic casters who had completed their 3rd tier magic studies, those with special permission granted by Fluder himself and a few highly-qualified researchers.
After responding to the most respectful salutes of the knights and magic casters with a gentle wave, he entered the tower. He reached the top of a bowl shaped space after going through a straight passage. Many magic casters were working hastily. The highest ranking one among them rushed hurriedly to Fluder.
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing to report, Master." After gulping, the disciple squeezed out an answer that bore both good and bad tidings. Fluder nodded with a complicated expression as he looked at the acolytes he had personally trained, those known as the chosen thirty disciples. The wisest one was his deputy in charge of this place.
"Is that so… we couldn't link it to natural occurrence, then?"
"Yes, master. We couldn't link it to the existence of the lowest tier of undead, the skeleton. Right now we are conducting experiments by placing it next to corpses to see if zombies will be raised naturally."
"Hmmm..."
Fluder stroked his long beard as he watched the scene developing before him.
There were dozens of skeletons… performing farm work. Raising hoes and swinging it down. The movements of all skeletons were perfectly in sync. If one were to look from the side, they would only see one skeleton moving. The movement was synchronized so perfectly that it looked just like a game.
This was the true nature of the grand project the Empire was conducting in secret: using undead as labourers. The undead had no need for nourishment or rest, and would not become tired. Low tier undead weren't even sentient, so they could only perform tasks as ordered and couldn't do anything complicated. But, if there was someone giving instructions from the side, the problem would be solved.
Deploying the undead to the farms would yield great benefits, such as reducing the manpower required and a price drop for farm produce. Farmlands could be expanded, injuries and death to humans could be prevented. It wasn't too much to say this was a grandiose project.
There were similar proposals that used summoned monsters or created Golems as manpower, but after considering the cost, efficiency and optimization, the use of undead was considered to be the best choice.
But those who opposed it, especially the priests, were of the opinion that using the undead which were the manifestation of the hatred of life, was corrupting the souls of the dead. It was different when you looked at it from the viewpoint of the religious. Even if the undead were risen from the corpses of criminals, according to religious teachings, the sins of the criminal were absolved the moment they were executed, and turning them into undead was desecration. It would be hard to convince those who thought that way.
If they were facing troubles with food, with many dying from famine, it would probably be easier to persuade them. However, the food supply of the Empire was ample and there were no problems in terms of labourers as well.
And that was the reason why the priests opposed this project. Even the Bloody Emperor did not want to challenge the temples, so he decided to do so in the utmost secrecy.
The goal of this project was the strengthening of the Empire's might. By leaving the production lines to the undead and freeing up the manpower for other areas, it would eventually lead to a larger pool of people from which excellent knights could be drawn.
One serious problem was the obedience of the undead. Also, in places with a large number of undead, the balance between the dead and the living might crumble, leading to the creation of even more powerful undead. It was an obvious source of unease for people who listened to the sermons of the priests. As such, the high security around the tower did not exist to protect the place, but to make sure the undead could not escape.
"The reason why they naturally rise is still not clear, huh?"
"Yes, my humble apologies, Master."
Finding out the underlying reason was important for the future.
There was a region often covered in fog throughout the year and only cleared up when the Kingdom and Empire clash in battle, the cursed place known as Kattse Plains. It was where the strongest undead, like Skeletal Dragons which were immune to all magic, appeared with incredibly high probability.
Although the Empire had plans of annexing the region around E-Rantel under its rule, it was very reluctant in taking the place where the undead rises at such a high rate. Hence, they needed to figure out how long it took for an undead to rise, which would definitely help in controlling them. It might even be possible to stop the emergence of the undead once and for all.
Leaving his relieved deputy in charge aside, Fluder started walking around the bowl shaped room.
When he reached the door on the opposite side, the number of disciples following behind Fluder increased. In front of the door opened by the knight guarding it, the line of Fluder's 30 disciples continued advancing.
It was a passage like before, but the presence of other humans gradually drained away. The air smelled like dust and the light seemed to be losing the fight against the darkness. The passage with the disturbing aura extended straight ahead and connected to a staircase that spiraled down. As they passed through the many doors along the way, the time between the clatter of boots that echoed in the tower was rather short.
They only went five levels below ground, however the heavy atmosphere made it seem longer. The reason wasn't simply because they were underground. This was evidenced by the tense expressions of everyone, including Fluder. At the lowest level, everyone's faces were twisted, the nervousness was so high it was no surprise to say that they were ready for battle.
Everyone was focusing on the last set of heavy doors. It was a door that seemed to be separating another world. To keep it from being destroyed or opened easily, it was fortifiedby several physical and magical defenses. It was a door that could never be breached. The numerous sets of heavy doors they passed on their way here was telling of the danger in this place. All those doors were meant to buy time if something dangerous were to happen down here and also had the underlying meaning of segregating this area.
Fluder warned his disciples with a stiff voice.
"Do not be careless."
The warning was short and simple, which was telling of how terrifying it was.
The magic casters who followed him nodded deeply. Fluder repeated his warning every time he came here. Even though they knew what was in there, their expression didn't ease. Sealed in there was an extremely powerful undead. If it was unleashed, there was no question a horrible tragedy would befall the entire capital.
Several people started casting protection spells. It wasn't just physical defense spells, they cast mental protection magic too. After ample preparation time, Fluder looked at his disciples once again to gauge their resolve.
After nodding, he chanted the unsealing spell and, with the power of the spell, the heavy door opened slowly with a 'gong'. Something akin to cold air spilled out from the dark interior, and several of the disciples tightened their shoulders due to the cold. Even with magic items to protect against the environment, the hatred for life from the thing inside was enough to send a chill down their spine. The sound of someone gulping was exceptionally loud.
"Let's go."
In response to Fluder's voice, the disciples made multiple magic illumination lights, driving away the darkness within the room. The receding darkness seemed to be hiding outside the light, making the surrounding even darker, that's how it felt.
With Fluder taking the lead, the group walked towards the room where the aura of death lingered.
Part of the reason was its narrowness, and the room was illuminated immediately by the magical lights. What lay within was a giant pillar that reached the ceiling. That tombstone-like object was very prominent. However, there was something bound by chains that drew even more attention.
It was completely bound by thick chains the ends of which were secured by boulders, and large cast iron balls were tied to each of the prisoner's limbs. It was impossible for any being to move in such a situation.
These excessive restraints reflected how wary they were of this opponent. That was why some of the group were still uneasy despite seeing the thick chains. They were afraid that this being could shatter its bonds and gain freedom easily.
It had the appearance of a knight wearing a black full plate armour, but the armor was different compared to the equipment of humans. On it were engravings that reminded people of blood vessels, and spikes that symbolized violence were everywhere. Demon-like horns sprouted from its helmet, and the face could be clearly seen. Inside the helmet was a rotten face. The hollow eye sockets glowed bright red from its hatred of the living and its thirst for carnage. That was not a living being, but something dead. That was the only way it was possible for it to radiate such hatred for the living. And it was not a little, fragile skeleon, but a massive creature over two meters tall.
"Death… Knight."
One of the disciples who had come here for the first time mumbled the name of the legendary undead. Having been relegated to the realm of legends, the name of this undead was not well known.
The red glow in the eyes of the Death Knight glimmered, its gaze seemed to be licking the magic casters before it. No, the instantaneous action shouldn't be noticeable at all. However, the aura that made them tremble gave the magic casters the illusion it was looking at them. All the ones accompanying them could use 3rd tier magic, a group of elites, but right now, they couldn't stop their teeth from rattling. Even with the mental protection spells in place, fear didn't stop welling up. The fact that no one had attempted to run away showed that the magic was still effective.
"—Control your will. A weak soul will be greeted with death."
Fluder warned as he approached the Death Knight. In response, the Death Knight unleashed its bloodlust and exerted strength through its limbs. The chain creaked as if they were moaning, but its body only moved slightly. And Fluder calmly reached out towards the Death Knight.
Magical light drove back the darkness and the sound of Fluder chanting magic echoed. A modified version of 'Summon Undead 6th Tier', Fluder's original magic.
"—[Obey]!"
The magic was cast and as if it was melting into the surroundings, Fluder's soft voice withered away. In contrast, the eyes of the Death Knight were still filled with the hatred of the living. Additionally, it unleashed a mighty roar as if to tell "How dare you puny humans! I'll kill you all!"
Anyone could tell the spell was a failure.
"... We still can't control it, huh."
Fluder's voice was filled with regret. Even after five years, he could not establish control over this undead.
This monster had been discovered in the Kattse Plains, where the undead roamed.
A squad of the Empire's knights encountered and engaged it as part of their purging mission, even though they had never seen this type of undead before. Seconds later, they realized this was out of their league. The faces of the Empire Knights, known for their discipline and strength, were filled with terror and despair. An overwhelmingly one sided fight: the opponent was too strong. After dozens of knights were mowed down like grass, the knights had realized the limit of their abilities and started to retreat.
But of course, they couldn't leave a monster like that alone. Especially after they witnessed the killed knights turning into undead, it was easy to imagine the spreading damage if they gave their opponent time and freedom. After a series of debate, the top leaders of the Empire had decided to send in their ace, the greatest combat unit of the Empire: Fluder and his disciples.
And the result was the capture of the Death Knight, with Fluder and his team obtaining victory. However, Fluder only won because the Death Knight did not have any way of countering flight magic. By utilizing carpet bombing, repeatedly throwing [Fireball] and other spells from above, they weakened the Death Knight until it could no longer move.
Captivated by its power, Fluder had captured and transported it to this place. Right now, it was bound by multiple spells, magic items and physical means. They invested in all sorts of ways to dominate the undead just because Fluder wanted to control this Death Knight.
"What a pity… If I could control it, I'd surpass that caster and become the greatest necromancer in history. Surpassing one of the Thirteen Heroes, the necromancer Rigrit Bers Carau. Surpass her by leaps and bounds."
Actually, Fluder wasn't obsessed with the pursuit of power. What he was after was to peer into the abyss of magic. This was just a process towards his ultimate goal. However, his disciples did not know and consoled him.
"I think Master has already surpassed that hero."
"That's right. The Thirteen Heroes are a relic of the past. They couldn't win against Master who is at the cutting edge of new magic techniques."
"I also feel that Master had already surpassed the Thirteen Heroes. If Master could control the Death Knight, the Empire would gain the greatest fighting power."
"They say the power of one cannot defeat the power of many, but that is just because the power of that individual is still too weak. This Death Knight is truly the strongest being."
No one could see Fluder's wry smile since he was standing at the very front. Only the eyes of the Death Knight saw it.
"Even Master couldn't dominate… this Death Knight. Just how powerful is he?"
"That… remains unknown. Theoretically, it could be dominated. Does anyone have any idea what are we lacking?"
After some time, the answer was still silence, until…
"...I don't mean to offend Master…" One of the disciples spoke in a heavy manner, and Fluder gestured for him to continue.
"Maybe Master isn't powerful enough? Maybe Death Knights can only be dominated by magic of the 7th tier..."
"That is a good observation."
"I heard the adventurers use numbers to gauge the difficulty level of monsters. How about using that?"
"But their gauge is very vague, I heard that the age and size of the monsters will render the numbers meaningless."
Another disciple spoke. "Apart from unknown monsters, there is nothing clearer and simpler than that. And since they represent the accumulated experiences of the adventurers, they shouldn't be too far off."
"Wouldn't that be meaningless to a legendary monster like the Death Knight?"
"By the way Master, does the secret book chronicling countless monsters mention this?"
"No." Fluder stroked his beard. "Leaving the complete one in Eryuentiu aside, the version open to the public is useless."
One disciple asked another a question. Their voices were soft, but it seemed loud in the quiet room. "What is Eryuentiu?"
"Isn't that the name of a city?"
"I heard about that. But what a queer name."
"Ahh… I looked it up once, it means 'the tree in the center of the world' in an ancient tongue."
Warning the disciples who were speaking casually, Fluder knocked his staff on the ground. This was a place imprisoning a legendary level undead, not some place where you could let down your guard. Obeying the warning of the master of the room, 'silence' returned. The only sound was the squirming of the Death Knight as it tried to break its bonds.
"Regrettably, there is nothing else we can do here. At least for today. Let's go."
"Yes, Master."
After receiving several relieved replies, Fluder started moving away from the Death Knight who roared at them once again. Even Fluder had a different pace comparing his arrival and departure. With the pressure of the Death Knight's gaze on his back, he unconsciously sped up. It was the same for the disciples.
Walking ahead, Fluder remembered the name one of his disciples had mentioned.
"Eryuentiu..."
The capital of the nation founded by the Eight Greed Kings and also the last city that remained. At the same time, it was said to be guarded by people equipped with overpowered magic weapons.
If he had a magic item from the Eight Greed Kings, Fluder was sure his magic skills would rise to another level. But those magic itmes would never fall into the hands of others, the only exception being the few items the Thirteen Heroes had been allowed to take with them.
A dark flame flickered in Fluder's heart.
The Thirteen Heroes. Heroes of the past. Fluder was someone who could rival them, but they received permission while he didn't. He didn't understand what he was lacking. Fluder waved away the flickering flame and consoled himself. His current status and what he had achieved was on par with the accomplishments of the Thirteen Heroes. No, in the hearts of the Empire's magic casters, Fluder had already surpassed them in status.
But the dark flames of jealousy couldn't be extinguished so easily. He was not jealous of their power, talent or strength, but of their chance to peek into the abyss of magic before him.
Fluder was the best magic caster alive. This was a fact acknowledged by everybody, and the only ones that could be compared to him were the Thirteen Heroes of the past. However, he couldn't dominate the Death Knight, and could only use six out of the, according to rumours, ten tiers of magic. He was far from reaching the abyss of magic.
And he was old. By using spells that were taboo, he had tried stopped his aging. Of course, it was a complicated spell considering Fluder's level, but he had forced it through using a combination of rituals and spells. However, his method of making the impossible possible had a flaw. Fluder, who shouldn't be aging anymore after casting the spell perfectly, could still feel himself aging slowly.
It was still manageable for now, but with the passage of time, his end would come one day. That was what blthered Fluder the most. To die before seeing the abyss of magic.
If someone else had done so before him, he might have been able to arrive at this stage earlier, but with his lack of predecessors, he had to pave his own path.
Fluder looked at the disciples around him.
The ones walking on the path paved by the figure known as Fluder.
With fuel added to the flames of jealousy, the fire burned brighter.
He, the most talented one of everyone present, how much time had he taken to reach the stage his disciples were at? No, without even thinking about it, he was definitely older than those disciples of his. Someone who was taught and the pioneer who paved the way, that was how wide the difference was. Why didn't I have a master?
Fluder tried changing his point of view. That was fine too. Leaving his name in the history books as a pioneer. The magic casters who reached new heights after Fluder would need to thank Fluder for their achievements. His disciples were his treasures. If there was just one person who become greater than I am, it would be attributed to my power.
As he thought about that, Fluder remembered a disciple he once had. If it was that girl, how far could she go?
Arche Eeb Rile Furt. An excellent child. Learning 2nd tier magic at such a tender age and so close to 3rd tier. She even had the same talent he had. If she continued, it was possible that she would eventually reach Fluder's realm one day. But in the end, she gave up being a disciple. Back then, he had only thought how foolish and disappointing it was for her. Maybe I allowed a big catch to get away.
Where is that child now? He thought about searching for her. If she could use 3rd tier spells, it was possible to guarantee a certain level of status for her.
But I have a job to do right now.
Fluder uttered the code word and the heavy door opened. After coming out, the disciples around him took deep breaths with the same frequency. The air where the aura of the Death Knight lingered was too heavy. If they did not do this, it would be unbearable.
"Master!"
A low, rough voice sounded out. That was one of his disciples, now a renowned adventurer. Due to his experience, he had been appointed the deputy director of the security within the Magic Ministry.
"...What's the matter? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong, but some adamantite-ranked adventurers were requesting an audience with Master."
Fluder looked at that man strangely. They hadn't made any appointments. As the finest magic caster in the Empire, Fluder had all sorts of duties on top of his research, and was a very busy man. If someone sought an audience out of the blue, he could only shake his head. Only the Emperor could see Fluder as he pleased.
That might be so, but it was too early to reject them. Adamantite level adventurers were heroes, not people that could simply be ignored. That was the same for Fluder. They were one of the few sources he could obtain rare artifacts from, so he couldn't treat them lightly.
"Is it an honoured visit from the 'Silver Canaries'? Or esteemed guests from 'Eight Ripples'?"
He had stated the name of the two adamantite ranked adventuring partiers within the Empire, but the disciple shook his head.
"No, it is a three man team known as 'Thunder & Lightning'. They showed their adamantite plates as proof."
"What!?"
The newest, most famous adventurer team from the Kingdom. They had accomplished numerous hero level tasks, even taking on Jaldabaoth during the Royal Capital's crisis and defeating him.
Why are such figures visiting me now? He had several questions, but since he had been ordered by the Emperor to learn about them and Jaldabaoth, that was catching two birds with one stone, so he threw his doubts away.
Then, Fluder said to his disciple:
"Please show our guests around and then bring them to my office. I will be right there after tidying up."
The ministry of magic had several conference rooms which served as reception rooms. Fluder was currently headed towards the one that was the most luxuriously decorated. It was his own office and the room used only when the Emperor, or those second to him, visited.
Someone knocked on the door. Undoubtedly it was those adamantite-ranked adventurers.
Before the guests entered, Fluder checked his outfit. The robes he wore could be considered a first grade clothing suitable even for the grand banquets hosted by the Emperor, and the perfume on his neck and sleeves had a nice fragrance as well. Originally, Fluder did not concern himself with political or social issues. Rather, in order to concentrate on magic research, he considered everything else to be trivial in comparison. However, due to his position, he still had to maintain awareness of these things. His own accomplishments were related to the prestige of the Empire, although this was not done intentionally.
Good, no problems. After confirming to himself that his clothes were flawless, he said: "Come on in!"
The door opened and three people entered. One was a warrior clad in jet black armour, reminding him of the Death Knight he had been staring at not long ago, and at his sides were two similarly lightly armoured swordsmen.
So this is Momon and his comrades. But I thought they were two in total, not three…
"I am extremely sorry for having adamantite-ranked adventurers wait for so long. Please take a seat while I introduce myself. I am 'Tri Caster' Fluder Paradyne, Court Wizard of the Baharuth Empire.
"It was no trouble, we enjoyed looking around. This place is marvellous!" Said the green-haired swordsman as he sat down on the soft couch together with the other two.
Then he continued: "Besides, thank you for receiving us. We are Thunder & Lightning from the Kingdom of Re-Estize. I am Oshiku the Bard Samurai, while this mountain of muscles is my friend and leader Dark Hero Momon. And the new addition to our team is Brain Unglaus.
Oh, I see, they recruited another legendary person. It makes sense they did so after meeting with a powerful foe such as Jaldabaoth. But it's strange not to have a single caster in a group. Fluder's eyes were able to see the amount of magical talent one possessed, thanks to his natural talent to determine the tier of magic one was capable of, just by the caster's magical aura. But he could see nobody among them had such aura. Have they come to recruit me? Hahaha!… Or maybe they have an anti-detection spell?
These were the only conclusions he could draw, but that raised another question. Why would someone protect themselves from being investigated? Ordinary adventurers would not need to use this. It was difficult to discern one's strength, and as a result, few people would bother taking precautions against such situations. Besides, it would be rude to cast this kind of defensive magic while meeting with someone. Well, I was also quite rude myself for using a detection ability on them… But why would they try to hide their power level? My talent is quite well known, so is it a countermeasure against me? He couldn't be sure.
Addressing Fluder, who looked confused, Momon spoke.
"Excuse me, is something wrong?"
"Hohoho, nothing, sorry for being rude."
Fluder was sitting in front of Momon, but he could not help to keep his eyes wander on all three adventurers, still looking for magic.
"Ah, I see, so this is what's going on. Very well, let's cut to the chase."
Wait, what? However, before Fluder had any chance to ask, Momon continued talking.
"... Oshiku-san, please go ahead."
The green-haired man smiled as he took off a ring and in that instant Fluder felt as if he had been hit by a storm.
"Hoh, I see, the 4th tier…"
Oshiku radiated a power second only to his own and to some among the Thirteen Heroes. This overflowing storm of pressure did not really exist. Only Fluder and others with similar abilities would feel it. He smiled, glad to meet another powerful caster, though Oshiku didn't look like one. He indeed focused on becoming a strong, fast warrior, but he still had more magic firepower than most casters in the New World. Revealing it actually was no big deal, it was just to prepare Paradyne for what would happen next.
Fluder caught sight of Momon taking off his black gauntlet and then removing one of the many rings he was wearing. In that instant, the world was dyed in bright light and Fluder felt a power surge beyond anything he could imagine.
"Im-Impossible…" Impossible. How could it be possible? How is it possible for someone stronger than me to exist? But, even if he tried to deny it, what appeared before his eyes was still reality. Up until this point, his ability to perceive a magic caster's tier had never failed him.
"7th tier... No, at least 8th, with the huge amount of energy pouring out, or could it be... proof of the tiers above…?"
If that was the truth, then it was way beyond the realm of legends. Fluder was already unable to speak. What happened in front of his eyes was unexplainable. Even Fluder, who had lived for over two hundred years, someone who had reached the highest peak of magic attainable for humans, could not understand what was going on.
"What... what... how is this possible?"
Fluder felt something warm flow down his cheeks, but he did not bother wiping it off, or rather, he no longer had the strength to do so. The shock had caused his emotions to descend into chaos.
Who could have seen this coming? The person praised as the Dark Hero was in fact an arcane magic caster who had attained a level that Fluder could never reach.
"Hoooo, gods!"
The more he bathed in the overwhelming energy released by Momon, the more he understood the one in front of him had reached the highest possible magic level. The 10th tier. Although it did exist in legends, there had never been anyone who could provide absolute proof of its existence. Someone who was in a position to do so had deigned to appear before him.
Fluder left his seat to kneel before Momon, with tears flowing from his eyes as he spoke.
"… My faith lies in the gods who rule and preside over magic. But even if you are not, then I shall immediately recant my faith, for the one true god has appeared before me!"
In his haste to prostrate himself before Momon, Fluder struck his head on the ground. Yet the pain he felt was nothing compared to the joy he felt surging up from the bottom of his heart.
"I know it's disrespectful, but allow me to kneel here! Please enlighten me with your knowledge! I want to peer into the abyss of magic! Please! Please!"
While Brain looked surprised, Oshiku grinned and Momon asked: "... What are you willing to give in exchange for that?"
The voice was as cold as ice. If a hundred people heard it, they would all answer the same, but what Fluder heard was a sweet voice that soothed the heart. Even if he knew that the voice was laced with poison, what of it? Fluder did not hesitate for a moment, even if it meant giving up his soul in exchange.
"Everything! Yes, I will offer everything to your royal being! The master of the abyss! The supreme being!"
"… Very well, as long as you are willing to offer everything, what I know will become yours. I will therefore grant your wish."
"Oh! Ooooohhh!"
His head still pressed to the ground, Fluder cried tears of joy. The jealousy that had frozen his heart for so long seemed to have melted. At long last, his wish from over two hundred years ago might finally come true.
The absolutely overjoyed Fluder did not raise his head, instead crawled towards Momon's boots and kissed them. Although he had wanted to lick it at first, he realized his god-like master might get annoyed if he did that, so he compromised, drawing on the tiny lucid fragment of himself in the corner of his mind.
"So be it. I accept your fealty."
"Hooo! I am very thankful, my master!"
"Now then, I will give you my first order. Deliver sacrifices to my dominion!"