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Chapter - 276 - 1. Hostile friendly relationship (5).txt
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[276] 1. Hostile friendly relations (5)
"Equivalent exchange of good fortune and unhappiness?"
"no. It's not an object's problem, it's a human problem. The first owner of
It was a phenomenon that occurs when humans fall into probabilities.
In fact, people who are addicted to gambling and go down to the finish line do not gamble to make money. All they wanted was the pleasure of winning a battle of odds, and money was just a tool to get it.
"After so many years,
"and?"
Uorin pursed her lips, imagining the situation at the time.
"The family is ruined."
"Damned? why?"
"If you get caught in a miracle, give me an object. The object the noble received is a small stone called
Uorin wiggled her index finger and clicked her tongue, perhaps embarrassed to say it.
Shirone immediately understood. He also didn't think it was necessarily bad.
All human beings live with desires, and balance with reality is achieved through imagination.
The problem was when that imagination became a reality.
"Anyway, that's how it got ruined. And
If so, Shirone has nothing to say. But the feeling got worse.
If it's not particularly dangerous, what is an object? Why is this stuff going around the world?
Shirone turned her attention to
For an object to give birth to an object was like a goose laying golden eggs from the collector's point of view.
But at the same time, I thought it was terribly destructive. If there was no limit to the production of objects, the world would perish someday, if not immediately.
When I confided my thoughts, Uorin also agreed to some parts.
"There is a possibility. Although not in our generation. But it will be fine. Even if it is an object, its durability is not as strong as other objects. It is bound to break down over time. Among the items that have been miraculously discovered so far, the most dangerous is
Curia is a world-class auction company, and I had heard about it from Nade before.
However, Shirone paid more attention to other words than that.
"How is that possible? The rating is determined by the auction company, but there is no way the object knows the standard. Could it be a coincidence? Even after 240 years, the frequency of miracles is low. It is also true that there is not enough data to make statistics when considering the probability of an A grade."
"It could be, but… … ."
Uorin didn't confirm or deny it, and spoke in a vague manner. Shirone's idea is certainly common sense, but when you own more than 40 objects personally, you will inevitably gain new information that is not accessible to the general public.
One of them was a VIP membership card issued by the Curia auction company. On the back of the card, there are warnings written, and if you look there, you can see this phrase written in paragraph 1.
Members look at paragraph 1 and ask the curator for an explanation. Then, the curator gives a few examples to guess the origin of the object, and if you listen to the stories, you can see that the warning in paragraph 1 is not just a threatening phrase.
But Uorin kept quiet about this.
Curia's VIP membership is not something you can join just because you have a lot of money. There must be an allyship consciousness toward the object.
Abusing privileges to non-VIP members was an act of devaluing the object itself.
However, Terase's pride would not allow her to stop playing, so Uorin gave Shirone a chance to realize herself.
"Come this way. I will also show you other objects."
Uorin guided Shirone to the ledge. The first thing I introduced was a magnifying glass that could be obtained anywhere.
"This is an object called
"You mean through clothes?"
"yes. But it only works within a distance of five centimeters."
Uorin shook her head and illuminated Shirone's lower body.
Even though she had already listened to
"Hehe, oppa, try it."
Shirone illuminated her arm with a magnifying glass.
At first, the fabric was only magnified, but when brought closer, bare skin was revealed.
"that's interesting. But if it's like this, I'd rather see it openly."
"that's right! If you spy on a woman, you'll be caught right away. Isn't that why
"haha! Maybe. But depending on how you write this, it will be useful. I think the armor will also be clairvoyant, so I can use it for inspection."
Shirone returned
"What principle? clairvoyance."
"I haven't checked yet. The ability of an object does not necessarily follow the function of the object, so it could be the ability of the handle or frame. In fact, it is not a high-grade object. I bought it by chance, but I just keep it to match the number."
Even in Shirone's opinion, it seemed inferior to
The next object Wu Lin introduced was a bookshelf. The works of famous scholars were tightly packed.
"This belongs to Ji-on. It is an object called
Shirone was bewildered. It was a shock of a different kind from
"How can a bookshelf connect to a person's head?"
"Well, that is surprisingly simple. Some of the objects tend to belong to the user. This is called the
Shirone looked at
I don't know about other things, but I really wanted this
Woorin introduced me to several other objects, and when I put on a headband called
It is possible to lose weight without difficulty, but there are many times when I make ugly movements, so the
There was also an objet called
When Shirone tried it himself, it was quite cool. Arms, legs, shoulders, ankles, and soles were massaged at the same time, and I felt so good that I lost my mind. Even though I didn't feel the warmth of people, the effect was the best.
'So it's
Thinking that far, Shirone's eyes widened.
The name of the object you have encountered so far. In addition, it is a grade that even an outsider can judge. These two facts were telling the secret of the object.
'I see. Objects… … .'
Either the object knows the criteria of the auction company, or the object itself has a fixed value.
The answer was the latter.
Objects have their own value from the moment they are born. This is because all functions are directly related to human desire.
The fact that the purpose was too clear to be regarded as a naturally occurring object meant that it was an artificial product of an intelligent being.
The desire to be pretty, the desire to gain knowledge, the desire to receive gifts every day, the desire to make your imagination a reality.
In that sense,
'Then what is S-class?'
Turning around the saying that
Even Shirone thought it was highly likely. This is because humans have animalistic desires, but also higher-level aspirations.
If
'Whoops. He seems to have caught on a little bit.'
As Shirone thought for a long time, Uorin smiled happily. It is to collect objects with this taste.
On the other hand, Ji-on's insides burned.
It was the first time Wu Lin had held anyone in the gallery for so long other than a VIP member of a Curia auction.
'That child dares… … .'
To Ji-on, Urin was more than a sister. Because it is the most powerful weapon he has. More than royal blood runs through his own veins.
'Why? What is that illegitimate child talking about?'
Unaware of Zeon's seething emotions, Shirone quickly looked at other items.
Now that I look at it, it was a tremendous resource. Most of the objects lined up along the shelf were of C or B grade, but occasionally A grade was also noticeable.
It was a luxury that even the king of a country could not afford. It was possible to guess how powerful Uorin, the direct descendant of Theraze, was.
After examining all the eastern ledges, Shirone turned her gaze to the north. However, the place was bleak and empty, with only one sword on display.
"huh? Uorin, what is that sword?"
"It's
It is the most precious thing for Jion, who regards even gold as insignificant. It wasn't particularly flashy for something like that.
There were no treasures of five colors attached to it, and there was not even a scabbard. But, strangely enough, there was a feeling that fascinated people. There seemed to be a subtle design difference that could not be distinguished by the senses of the general public.
However, that evaluation disappeared the moment I saw the jewel embedded in the center of the handle. The presence was so overwhelming that it was impossible to look away.
As if Armand was calling her, her feet moved spontaneously. When she came to her senses, he had already reached the north wall.
The moment I slowly reached out my hand and tried to grasp the handle of the sword, Zion shouted.
"That's mine! Don't touch it."
Even after Shirone backed away in surprise, Ji-on's distorted expression showed no signs of improving.
The exact
Shirone came to his senses and asked Ji-on.
"Oh, I'm sorry. stop without me knowing But is this S-class?"
"You know what? On the subject of not being able to live even in the middle of the day. Get off my sword quickly. Where does an illegitimate child flirt with luxury goods of the royal family?"
Shirone frowned and turned around. No matter how
Ji-on, who watched the scene, changed his mind. Wouldn't that be a good thing? It would be good to take this opportunity to show the gap between the royal family and mountaineers.
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Chapter - 277 - 1. Hostile friendly relationship (6).txt
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[277] 1. Hostile friendly relations (6)
"good. If you're really curious, I'll introduce you specially."
"No, I don't… … ."
Before Shirone could finish his words, Zion held out his hand to the sword.
"Come on, Armand."
A clear sound of metal spread through the room.
The moment Shirone turned to Armand, the sword that rose by itself was sucked into Ji-on's hand.
Shirone, who twisted her body again following the movement of the sword, hurriedly stopped moving. Suddenly, a knife was lodged in his throat. The cold metal vibrates, and a high frequency roars through my ears.
Uorin, whose hobby was interrupted, struggled.
"brother! Why are you doing this all of a sudden?"
"You stay still."
This time, Zion couldn't yield either.
When I glared at Shirone, my lips naturally twisted. Even when the blade entered his throat, his unafraid eyes made him mad with annoyance.
"what's the matter? I was suddenly speechless. Do you think I will kill you?"
Shirone was alert to the vibration she felt under her chin.
The Spirit Zone had already entered. The nature of Armand, transmitted through synesthesia, was truly bizarre.
Is this really a sword or is it a creature?
"Why no answer? A genius wizard?"
It was a petty remark to spit out after a surprise attack.
Of course, Shirone had the confidence to deploy teleportation faster than Zeon's reaction speed. However, he did not guarantee that he would be able to dodge the magic sword flying through the air.
Taking Shirone's silence as approval of defeat, Jion burst into laughter and withdrew his sword.
"ha ha ha! can't you too? My guess was correct. Articles in magazines are all exaggerated. At best, what is the best talent for a student subject… … ."
Uorin put her hand on her waist and said with a voluptuous expression.
"Brother, you are too harsh."
Zion didn't even listen and threw Armand away.
The demonic sword emitting cold light swiftly and stealthily flew back to its original position and stood up.
Shirone realized belatedly that there was no pedestal to support the sword from the start.
"You know why I don't kill you? because it's not worth it Even if it's not me, there are many people who hate you in the castle. Maybe you felt I mean this morning."
Shirone did not understand what Zion said. In the morning, I was busy with paternity tests, and other than that, there was nothing unusual.
If I had to pick one, would it be that I couldn't get in touch with Reina?
However, if something happened there, it would have been normal if rumors had already spread in the capital.
"What are you talking about? What about this morning?"
Then, this time, Ji-on tilted his head.
Even though he was unlucky, he knew better than anyone that Shirone was not stupid.
In the end, it was said that Reina, the legal representative, blocked the information going to Shirone in advance.
'Hmm, you're not a normal bet either.'
I took it easy because she said she wasn't a family head, but she was a woman who was more resourceful than expected. She does, but that's why she must have been from the Ogent family.
In any case, it was clear that she did not want the events of the night to come to the surface.
It was a bad decision, but it was an excellent decision.
"Heh, now that I see you, you are such a pitiful bastard. After all, even your allies don't trust you. You're the only one in the castle who doesn't know what happened last night."
Shirone cried and said as if questioning.
"So you ask what happened?"
If you listen to what Ji-on said, it was that Reina knew about it. How could she not know what she knows?
It will not be an out-of-power notice. However, I had no idea what the circumstances were that even Amy couldn't let go.
"it's okay. I will go and ask myself."
Thinking that Ji-on couldn't hear her, Shirone walked to the door, but Uorin, who had been listening until now, opened her mouth.
"If I go, I probably won't be able to meet you. I heard you moved houses last night."
Shirone looked back at Uorin while holding the doorknob.
This was also the first time I had heard of it. What the hell is going on around you?
"You moved? Where?"
"I didn't hear that either. My brother's legal representative added a non-disclosure clause at dawn. Perhaps you can find out when you go to the audience room."
It was said to go directly to the highest power and ask.
Besides, it's a non-disclosure clause. It was not a powerful diplomatic tool, but it was an aggressive response from Reina, who was relatively weak.
Sensing that the situation was not serious for the first time, Shirone left the gallery without looking back.
@
An awkward silence fell in the gallery where Shirone left.
Ji-on glanced at Uorin. She was just absorbed in drinking her tea, whether or not she was aware of the tsarist atmosphere that pervaded the space. As it is, even if an hour passes, she won't even raise an eyebrow. Her sister was such a woman.
"Whose side are you on?"
"What are you talking about all of a sudden? Are you on the side?"
Uorin asked with an innocent expression.
Ji-on finally exploded in anger.
"Why are you being nice to Shirone? That bastard is my enemy! An enemy who wants to steal the throne! Then of course you have to help me!"
Uorin was burdened by the blatant request.
"Why is my brother like this? We've never had a conversation like this before. Could it be that you wished for that and were good to me? Because I'm Theraze's daughter?"
"No, it's not like that… … ."
Zion's face heated up.
People in the world wouldn't know how humiliating it was to hear something like this from my little sister.
In fact, she helps just by being there.
As long as you hold out your business card that you are Uorin's older brother, any aristocrat will spare no support. He was the one who had eliminated countless enemies with his mighty firepower.
Perhaps Uorin knew. And yet, he never once said anything about it.
So good. But I never thought it would come back like this like a boomerang and stamp on my back.
'Sheesh! It's going to come out like this, right?'
Ji-on turned around with a sad heart and blew his nose vigorously.
In an atmosphere where it seemed like she would never speak to her again, Wu-rin sighed and patted her pouting brother on the back.
"Oh, yes. okay. Can't you think of me? It's just that it's awkward for us to talk like this. This is one of the reasons why the royal family is divided. After all, there is no one to threaten my brother here. What are you so afraid of?"
Zion also suddenly had a question.
What the hell are you afraid of?
Shirone is just an illegitimate child with no connections or foundation. The only thing to be put forward is the reputation of the insignificant wizarding society. Archangel's ability? This was a royal castle teeming with archmages.
"okay. I was narrow-minded. Sorry."
Zeon immediately changed his stance. It felt good that her sister cared about her feelings.
Uorin said a few more things that Jion wanted to hear before returning to her seat.
Unlike Ji-on, whose mouth was stuck in her ears, she stopped pouring tea as if she was tired and exhaled a long breath toward the ceiling.
'Whoa, anyway, men.'
2. The alternative trap (1)
Shirone went to the administration office and requested an audience.
Permission was issued in 10 minutes. The work was done so quickly that I wondered if there had been an order.
Upon arriving at the audience room, the Royal Guard opened the door. Orkamp, dressed in clothes, was waiting.
"I was just about to call. Come this way."
Shirone sat across from Orkamp.
I was trying to figure out where to start, but Orkamp answered before I even got to the question.
"The family's accommodation has moved to an annex. Don't ask the official to guide you."
A quick explanation sounded like an excuse.
However, they did not come to the king merely to find out where to stay. What Shirone wanted to know was more important than that.
"What on earth do I not know?"
Orkamp sighed.
Being a king is, after all, a dead end position. Reina could have run away from the difficult question, but he couldn't.
"There were five assassination attempts from last night until dawn. Three cases of poisoning, two cases of assassination. Lethal doses of poison have been detected in the food that feeds the family. At dawn, an assassin was caught every hour in the apartment of the royal family. I couldn't find out who was behind it because I committed suicide, but it's a fact that everyone knows that I was aiming for you."
Shirone felt like he had been hit in the head with a hammer.
Assassination is something a person commits. But the unexpectedness was so strong that it felt like a natural disaster.
"Why are you trying to kill us?"
"What do you mean? Did you really think that nothing would happen?"
To be honest… … It was.
Of course, it wasn't that I was careless. However, it was a completely different matter to be sure that the enemies would move into action two days after arriving at the capital.
"I don't know. Assassination of a candidate for the first prince is a felony. If the background is revealed, even if the family is destroyed, it will not be enough. Does it make sense to finish such a major event in just two days?"
"Do you think they are stupid? No, Shirone. Rather, it is a very reasonable and clever judgment. It's about stabbing the blind spots in your thinking."
"of thoughts… … blind spot?"
"Assassins fall into two categories. Assassin and Hitman. Among the orthodox Assassin's proverbs, there is something like this. 'People don't kill, circumstances do.' It's enough to avoid black. But the situation is unavoidable. If I have to kill you anyway, yesterday was the best time."
Shirone corrected the error in his thinking.
It was not that he was oblivious to the danger of assassination. But on the other hand, it was undeniable that there was an underlying thought of 'Could it be now?'.
"Assassins aren't good at using swords, they're good at directing situations. That's why one Assassin is more terrifying than 100 escorts in a royal castle. Guys poke the blind spot of thinking. Once you get caught, you have no choice but to surrender your head knowingly."
Orkamp is right.
Why were you safe?
No, it's not that level of delusion. You cannot live by checking every part of your thoughts. Even if I corrected one thought, they would have come in looking for another blind spot.
"Shirone, don't try to analyze everything with your head. The castle is a place teeming with wild beasts. There is no coward here who misses the time to act out of fear, no matter how great the cost of failure."
Orkamp stood up and walked to his desk. And he said, pouring a strong drink into a crystal goblet.
"Raina made good judgment. Anyway, after 3 days, you can become the official successor. If we fight in the mud for no reason, we will only lose. So pretend you don't know."
Shirone clenched his fists.
I admit that Reina's judgment was correct. But even his parents could have died.
"You mean you're just getting hurt? You can use this as an excuse to fight back."
Orkamp smiled bitterly.
"Then let's ask. Who do you think is behind it?"
"Of course the Theraze family… … ."
Shirone stopped talking.
Is it really only the Theraze faction that is targeting him? That, too, was a blind spot in thinking that hadn't been looked back until now.
"… … I do not know."
"Yeah, I don't know. It is not an exaggeration to say that the change of the candidate for the first prince is the movement of all the interests of the kingdom. Anyone other than Theraze faction has the motive to eliminate you."
Shirone looked at the people on the suspect line.
Countless people's faces passed by. Even Orkamp… … .
"Does everyone want me dead?"
Orkamp returned to his seat with his crystal glass.
"If Theraje is behind it, it must be a kind of warning. If it's neutral, it will be to see the reaction. Because they want an accurate source of who you are."
"A warning? It's a lethal dose of poison. If you eat it, you die. Even Amy, who followed innocently, almost died."
Orkamp gulped down the strong drink. Shirone is overexcited, but maybe that's normal.
To the average person, assassination is a very distant concept. He could be robbed or run over by a wagon, but if he lived through the day thinking that an expert murderer was targeting him, he would go mad within a month.
lived such a life He lived with the assassin for the rest of his life, eating, going to the bathroom, and giving birth to children. The self who completely forgets with a sip of strong alcohol is rather abnormal.
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Chapter - 278 - 2. The Alternative Trap (2).txt
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[278] 2. The Either/or Trap (2)
"Shirone, even a beautiful butterfly is just a monstrosity if you look closely. The world is beautiful for no one but you, and it's always not good to express your feelings. Especially if you want to protect the person you love."
Shirone calmed his excitement with a deep breath. Now was the time to take action rather than get angry.
"What can I do in the future?"
"Show your strength. If they want to have a standard of judgment on whose side they should be on, providing an accurate source would be one way."
Orkamp finally spoke the words in his heart.
"I will make a seat for you. Demonstrate Ataraxia. If you show your strength there, at least you will be clearly distinguished from peers. Then at least I won't touch my family."
Shirone's gaze went down. While my mind calmed down, the hot energy passed through my esophagus and caught in my throat.
"That is… … That's the real reason you called me."
Orkamp let out a small breath. As expected, he couldn't lie to Shirone.
"Have you heard of Valkyrie? An army organized by Theraje to prepare for the final war. The reason Kazura Kingdom was able to survive economically was thanks to orders for weapons of war there. But the situation is not optimistic. The reason Theraze planted his children here is so that one day he will drive me out and devour Kazura. We must further strengthen our influence within Valkyrie. If it's your Ataraxia, it's quite possible."
Shirone felt the power drain from her body. She vaguely guessed, but when she heard these words from the person she believed to be her biological parents, her tears welled up.
In the end, bloodlines didn't matter. What they wanted was ataraxia, the ability of an archangel.
"Please. give a demonstration Just showcasing it in front of aristocrats will have a powerful ripple effect. This is our chance to win the neutrals over to us."
Shirone struggled to swallow the flowing tears. Orkamp isn't crying, so he shouldn't be crying either.
"Did you think I would obey you if you said that?"
"On the contrary. So I'm thinking of making a suggestion. The other day you said you wanted to go home. Is that idea still valid?"
"No, it is not valid. Because I want to go back even more than then."
Orkamp wasn't offended by Shirone's sarcastic comments.
"If you give me a demonstration, I will send you home as soon as the paternity test is done. It's good to go to magic school, it's good to do anything. If you don't want to come to the royal castle, you don't have to come. How are you?"
Shirone couldn't just pass by this proposal.
After experiencing the royal castle, unlike the first thought, returning home was not an easy task. In that situation, Orkamp's offer was certainly palatable.
"But if that happens, Ataraxia won't be usable. You will need me eventually, so how are you going to convince the ministers?"
Orkampf was uneasy, as if he had been found out. He proposed the demonstration for a purpose far greater than attracting neutrals.
Arius said that if he saw Ataraxia himself, he would be able to find a way to duplicate it.
Once cloning is successful, Shirone is not needed. No, rather leaving the castle was a good thing. Even for Shirone's life… … .
"That's why a secret deal is necessary. I will announce to the ministers that you are graduating from magic school and returning. Did you say 1 year? In the meantime, I will purify the Theraze faction. After that, everyone can go their own way."
In the end, it was said that the deal would become null and void if the Theraze faction could not be purged.
However, Shirone also nodded as if it was natural to take such a risk. As long as it was guaranteed for one year, it didn't matter if I kept my promise or not.
After graduating from magic school, I was thinking of moving my residence anyway. It's enough to think that the moving distance is a little further away.
At least, wouldn't it be possible to live like that until you grow strong enough not to be shaken by the kingship?
"Who will observe the demonstration?"
"I have already sent you a message. All high-ranking nobles will gather. They are expecting a spectacular show."
Shirone looked at Orkamp with sad eyes.
"You knew from the start that I couldn't say no."
"Shirone, this is the proposal you first asked for three days ago. I was just making excuses for it."
Orkamp was cold until the end.
But thanks to that, Shirone regained his composure. Not for Kazura. I was thinking of doing it for her family.
"all right. Call me when you're ready. I have to go see my 'parents' now."
In my mind, I just wanted to leave. He also knew that even if he did, Orkamp wouldn't reprimand him.
However, Shirone was polite and walked out the door.
Orkamp was the king of a neighboring country.
@
Arriving at the dorm, Shirone checked the safety of her parents.
My eyes were puffy as if I hadn't slept all night. Fearing to worry her child, she tried to keep her smile on, but her Olina's face was as pale as a sheet of paper.
Even herself, who had learned magic, felt her heart race, but it must have been too much of a burden for her, who had lived her entire life without harming others.
'I'm sorry, mother.'
Amy, who greeted Shirone, did not pretend to be cheerful, but did not show a nervous expression. She just smiled bitterly and raised her hand to welcome her.
From her appearance, Shirone felt a strong comradeship.
Reina, who was having a meeting with the attendants in the next room, greeted her with a bright expression.
"You're here, Shirone. I was waiting for you."
Everyone was haggard, but Reina was full of energy. Certainly, like a royal court musician, he seemed to have become accustomed to the atmosphere of the royal palace.
It was fresh to see a new side of her, but I didn't feel very good at this moment.
it's not that she's ugly But no one will ever know how she felt about being a fool for a day, leaving her family's life in her hands.
"I came to meet Orkamp."
Reina's expression hardened.
From the way he called the king by name, as well as from Shirone's cold voice, you could guess how angry he was with this incident.
"Sorry for not telling you earlier. But I'm afraid you'll worry… … ."
"I know why. But everyone was at risk."
Rayna swallowed her saliva. It was an expression that Shirone only showed when he was really angry.
It felt like my heart was frozen when I saw it. Did your father feel this way at the time?
"It's fine now. Security procedures have been strengthened. Ask the guards to further strengthen security… … ."
"You should have informed me."
Reina's mouth closed like a clam. Then Amy, who had been watching her in disbelief, let out a sigh of relief.
'That's why I have to tell you.'
It's because I overlook how much Shirone loves her family, and it's been a long time since I've been in the middle of a long time.
But to be honest, Amy had nothing to say. Even though she clearly expected Shirone's reaction, she followed Reina's judgment because she was right in the end.
I'm still angry like this, but if I had known at the time, the situation could have gotten out of control. There was no way that Shirone would not know that fact. So, in the end, it was Reina's victory.
Vincent couldn't hide his embarrassment and told Shirone.
"Shirone, Reina-san said that she had no choice but to be in that position. Besides, it was decided after asking for our understanding. You'd better be angry with me."
Shirone lowered her head. He knew that from the beginning.
I was just angry.
His family suffered from assassination threats, his real parents were obsessed with ataraxia, and now, when he thought that even Reina was ostracizing him, he shuddered.
"sorry. I know Reina-sister saved us all. just… … It was so frustrating that I did it without even realizing it."
Reina sensed a weak cry in Shirone's voice. What the hell did she hear from Orkamp, so that the normally strong child came back in such rags?
"No, I'm sorry. It was sad enough. It's one of my duties to let you know. In the future, I will report without omission."
When Shirone tried to smile, Reina let go of her breath as well.
As expected, this child was the most beautiful when he was smiling. So she didn't want to see her sad face even more.
To leave the castle safely, you must be cool. Even if the same situation came up, Reina was going to make the same judgment.
Amy asked when the two people's feelings were settled.
"So what did you say in the audience room?"
"Ah, that… … ."
Shirone said what Orkamp suggested. Amy thoughtfully thought about her and nodded her head.
"Hmm, that's a good suggestion. Of course, if you keep your promise."
"doesn't care. After graduation, you have to move anyway. I think the next problem is to go there and think about it. So I accepted the offer for now."
"Indeed, it is. Neither do I."
The reason why nobles have the concept of their home is because they move around depending on their job.
Amy's older brother, Diane, is also the leader of the archers in the royal castle, and especially the explorer's second brother, Ares, was wandering around remote areas, so it was unclear which country he was currently in.
Worldwide, the employment rate of wizards is about 80%, and the employment rate is close to 99%. The reason why the employment rate is lower than the employment rate is because there are quite a few wizards who refuse to work.
However, the competition is fierce, and most students move to Baska, the capital, to find a job or prepare for an official exam after graduating. If both were not available, it was common to go abroad to study.
Creas also had a magic institution, but Shirone also had no intention of ending her magical life in a provincial town.
In the future, if he reached the official rank of 5, he might be appointed as the deputy head of the Kreas branch of the Magic Association, but right now there were many things he wanted to do.
Alpheas Magic School is a government-designated institution, and when you graduate, you get an unofficial 10th-level wizard license. Once you get a license, you can live as a mercenary because the guild gives you a job. Then you don't have to buy a house, so it will be comfortable for you to move around.
I thought that if I met a good relationship after living like that, I would be able to settle down somewhere.
As if supporting Shirone's will, Amy clapped and cheered.
"good! If we're going to do it, let's do it right!"
@
The Colosseum was built in a basin 2 kilometers north of the Khazra Castle. In the past, it was a huge gambling table where warriors engaged in bloody battles with wild beasts and nobles bet money, but now it has been closed indefinitely for financial reasons.
Traces of blood were left on the uncleaned sand floor. No matter how much the workers swept it with a broom, the red bloodstains could not be erased.
The nobles entered with an escort, and Amy and Reina also took their seats on the third floor.
Orkamp was considerate of Shirone's feelings and allowed her parents to observe, but Olina was in a weak state of mind and body, so she decided to stay with Vincent at the dorm.
Shirone was waiting for the time in the waiting room in the basement of the Colosseum.
Exercise equipment and punching bags used by champions were scattered around, and various weapons were displayed on the shelf.
The iron door of the waiting room opened and Ji-on and Woo-rin entered. As if it was the first time in the underground waiting room, Uorin looked around.
Shirone no longer welcomed anyone. After learning what happened last night, everyone seemed to be enemies.
Ji-on approached with an eight-legged step and said.
"It is a very desolate place. What were the warriors waiting for here thinking? Please don't get eaten by lions? Or maybe he was thinking of breaking down that door and escaping."
"No, he must have vowed to kill the enemy. Because that is the only way left for a warrior."
Zion smiled crookedly. As expected, words are no match for magicians.
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Chapter - 279 - 2. Either or Trap (3) 1.txt
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[279] 2. The Either/or Trap (3)
"Hmph, the snout is still alive. What's the point of putting on this clown show? Didn't your father say he'd make you a king later?"
"I should have said it clearly. I am not interested."
Ji-on turned around without even listening to him with the back of his ear. Then he walked along the wall and admired the scenery of the waiting room.
In fact, today's demonstration schedule was surprising to him as well. It was because I didn't know that Orkamp would come up with a real sword game so quickly.
But in the end, it was said that it was also very urgent.
Jion, who made a wide roundabout in the waiting room and arrived in front of Shirone, made an enticing proposal.
"I will send you home."
Shirone asked with a puzzled expression.
"What are you talking about?"
"You say you're not interested in being the first prince? Then the price you get for this demonstration is freedom. i'm going to give it to you No matter how much you avoid Kazura's eyes, you can't avoid Thera's eyes. Because we play worldwide. But what if I let you go? Kazura will be mine and you will be free. Aren't they good for each other?"
It was such a sweet temptation that it was hard to refuse. But it was not an easy matter to accept.
Empress Theraze said that she planted Zeon in order to swallow Kazura. So if Zeon becomes king, Orkamp and Eliza will die. If we don't sever the legitimacy of the royal family, we won't be able to plan for the future.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Simple. You're ruining the show. If it's an archangel's ability or something, just screw it up. And speaking to nobles. In fact, the rumors are exaggerated, it was luck and it was successful, not a magic that a nerd like me can do, like this."
Understanding, Shirone nodded.
Today's demonstration is a political venue. Whether the nobles believe the lie or not, the moment the white flag is raised, the game is over.
The only thing that bothered him was the deaths of Orkamp and Eliza. Is it really okay?
No matter how many children they abandoned, they at least kept them alive. Do you have the right to repay that dust of grace with death?
"I'll think about it. No, give me time to think."
"However much. The answer will be heard at the Colosseum anyway. Whichever you choose, Kazura is bound to fall for me anyway. Use your wise judgment."
Shirone lowered her head and heard the sound of Ji-on leaving. But it was so complicated in her head that she couldn't care.
If you help Orkamp, you will be pursued by Theraje faction for the rest of your life. However, if they stick to Zion, Orkamp and Eliza will die.
'What do we do? What the hell are you asking me to do?'
After recovering her pet cat that was wandering around the waiting room, Uorin said goodbye to Shirone after getting ready to leave.
"Brother, do your best."
Shirone looked up at Uorin with lifeless eyes. She probably knows her own dilemma. But apart from words of consolation, she offered no advice.
I conveyed my urgency with earnest eyes, but she tilted her head and smiled as if she did not know anything.
Shirone looked at the ground with a resigned expression.
What are you hoping for? Isn't there a chance that there will be someone to help you in the castle?
At that moment, Wu Lin sighed.
"ha."
And he said in a calm voice.
"You want me to help you?"
Shirone raised her head again.
Wu Lin was still beautiful. However, the bright feeling that had been revealed just a moment ago had disappeared.
"Of course I can help."
Uorin took a few steps back as if reestablishing a sense of distance.
"But they may not help. The important thing is plausibility. For example, let's say there is a rich man who owns 100 billion gold. That person is about 1 gold, it doesn't matter if you give it to anyone. But it doesn't. Not because the money is wasted, but because there is no possibility. If you give 1 gold to someone for no reason, you have to give 1 gold to everyone in the world. My brother doesn't have a chance yet. So you must come up with a reason to help him."
"I… … What should I do?"
"That, too, belongs to my brother. A lot could be lost in this demonstration. But it's also an opportunity to get something more precious than that. I hope you make a wise choice."
Uorin finished with those words and headed for the door. The beautiful smile that Shirone had been expecting could not be seen until the end.
Left alone in the waiting room, Shirone was lost in thought. She was analyzing her words at the last moment of her choice.
'I see.'
Losing a lot was the material damage that occurred when the first prince was given up. Conversely, obtaining something precious meant the lives of Orkamp and Eliza.
If Zeon becomes the king of Kazura, Uorin will have a chance to help himself.
That is, she is saying this. I will guarantee the lives of her real parents, so I will hand over the kingship to Zion.
'Yeah, that's enough.'
Shirone is determined to ruin the show.
Perhaps Orkamp would be disappointed, but in the end, he was saving his life, so he fulfilled his responsibility as a child.
A lamp on the ceiling lit up and a loud siren sounded.
After organizing her thoughts, Shirone entered the elevator installed on the wall. When the switch was lowered, the elevator went up to the ground with a clatter.
When I arrived on the ground, all I could see was the closed darkness and the iron bars installed 10 meters in front of me.
The sunlight was weak because it was before the sun went down, but the champions of long ago must have looked at the intense sun in broad daylight and reflected on their hopes for life.
The bars went up, and Shirone walked to the center of the Colosseum.
Ji-on was right when he said it was a clown show. As many eyes were aimed at her, she felt as if she had been stripped naked.
The target was standing in the direction of the sunset. It was a shabby wooden plank, as if she had found it as a last resort while in a hurry.
Not stoning, but getting magic with that? If it was meant to be ridiculed, it was perfect.
I sneered at the thought of a dispute over even choosing one target.
"From now on, we will have time to verify the qualifications of the candidate for the first prince."
To verify the qualifications of the candidate for the first prince. It was certainly a good excuse to set up as a clown.
Shirone saluted Orkamp and said:
"Your Highness, magic is a powerful force. Otherwise, the property may be damaged. I would like to ask for your understanding first."
It meant that the precious target could be destroyed. It was a blow to the crowd mocking him.
Orkamp quickly saw through and supported Syrone's will.
"Nothing to worry about. A target is just an excuse, as long as you can show off your skills, it doesn't matter what you do."
Shirone felt as if he had given them a shot. But in the end, all I could do was this.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I turned around to the target. With everyone holding their breath, they concentrated and cast their halo.
An intense light like a star stuck in the space and began to slowly move and draw a huge circle.
It should be drawn as large as possible.
After 2,000 battles, Amy heard that Halo could shock those with sensitive senses. If so, she would surely be able to reach someone in this position.
It may be a meaningless resistance, but I couldn't create any variables without doing what I could.
When Halo was finally completed, a radiant halo appeared.
Amy quickly looked around.
First of all, Reina frowned. It was said that if she felt the pressure in Halo, she had considerable schema sensitivity.
On the other hand, the nobles were calm. Since most of the nobles at the center of power were administrative, they were far from schemas or spirit zones.
But those who kept them were different. Everyone was desperately biting their teeth.
'Hmm, they're definitely strong… … .'
Ji-on and Uorin didn't seem particularly shocked.
Since she didn't expect it from the beginning anyway, Amy looked in the direction where Orkamp was.
To be precise, it was a tall man standing behind Orkamp.
Many masters exist in this place, but none has been as tense as that man. Besides, he was covering his face with his right hand, as if he couldn't get used to it even now.
'Shit! I was surprised.'
Arius decided to believe in the existence of souls. It was because the moment the halo was born, something in my head felt like it was flying outside. It was such a terrible shock.
It was surprising for him, who had never been mentally stunned for more than one second after entering Madou 7.
'You implemented the immortal function in the form. Is that the basic mental system of the Nephilim?'
After completing the analysis of Halo, Arius calmly waited. With this demonstration, he intended to figure out the mechanism and find a way to unencapsulate it. As the ataraxia started accumulating, his eyes shone intensely.
'it started! The first one is either way. Is it binary based?'
Beginning with the first magic circle embedded in the center of the halo, a shower of light rushed in.
Aristocrats admired the splendid spectacle, but Arius organized all the concepts integrated into Ataraxia without missing a single one.
'algebra. Musho Geometry. Multiple arithmetic equations. Vanessa grooming. Sphere Integral. Eisen Relativity. And that, Hagel's paradox?'
As concepts piled up in Ataraxia, my thoughts began to overload. My head was on the verge of exploding.
As the integration process passed the middle, even the zeta function, the cutting edge of human intelligence, appeared. It was a kind of hypothesis that supposedly contained the blueprint of the universe in a way to discover a few patterns.
Arius stopped thinking. No, he couldn't think.
After the Zeta function, everything was a concept I hadn't seen before, and it was being embedded in Halo at breakneck speed.
analysis not possible.
'Damn it… … .'
As the integration was completed, Ataraxia was born as a colorful and integrated concept. It was the reality of super-magic amplification that humans could never realize.
Arius shuddered with defeat.
I only understood 65% of the entire circuit. Compared to what Shirone gave up at the 17th percentile point at the time of being possessed with Ikael, he had an amazing level of intellect, but even if he didn't know 1%, he didn't know everything.
Shirone looked at Ataraxia floating in front of her eyes and was lost in thought. Your life changes depending on what you choose from now on.
After about 10 seconds, the nobles who were watching closely gradually lost interest.
Knowing how important one second is in real combat, they were only disappointed with Shirone's inexperience.
"what are you doing? If you're going to do it, if you're going to do it, don't do it."
"Your personality is indecisive. Or do you need something more preparatory?"
The nobles who lead the archmage couldn't be patient with a student-level demonstration. As voices of dissatisfaction came out here and there, Jion also added one voice.
"haha! Original rumors are exaggerated. There are so many high-ranking wizards in the royal castle, how can only aspiring wizards be verified with this?"
Then, those who were presumed to be the Theraje faction helped each other out.
The atmosphere left them to take care of themselves, and Ji-on looked down at Shirone arrogantly.
Now the plates are all laid out. All that remains is for Shirone to confess her shortcomings.
Shirone listened to the voices coming from all directions. As expected, most of them were Zeon's gang.
'Okay, let's stop. From the beginning, it was too strong an enemy for me to deal with.'
Shirone hung her shoulders weakly and opened her mouth.
"I am… … ."
The first words of an important announcement came out, but the aristocratic murmur showed no signs of stopping.
Realizing that her voice was too low, Shirone inhaled and filled her lungs with air so everyone could hear.
'for a moment… … .'
Then, all of a sudden, I had a strange idea.
Is it really the right decision to give up?
It was a thought that came to me out of nowhere, pushed up not from my head but from my body.
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Chapter - 280 - 2. Either or Trap (4) 1.txt
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[280] 2. The Either/or Trap (4)
I've never judged someone else's possessions in my life. The inertia of those 18 years raised the alarm bell of doubt.
Then it felt like my head was spinning.
This is an either/or trap. This is because it is a battle that Zeon will win no matter what he chooses.
The reason why the logic of either option is scary is that it blocks the possibility other than the option in advance. The bad and the worse were presented, and the bad was induced to choose, giving the illusion that there was an advantage, but in reality, it was playing into the hands of the enemy.
Shirone realized that he had misunderstood Urin's words.
No one gives you 1 gold for no reason. In other words, there is no one to help those who give up.
It was a mistake to think that Theraze's gang would spare him if he begged with a servile expression.
The castle is the den of beasts. Even if you show weakness, you will only eat the flesh that clings to your bones.
That's what Uorin wanted to say.
Bark if you want to live. Grit your teeth and growl. Swing your nails lest anyone think you're easy prey.
The moment you stop fighting, all the beasts in the castle will rush to eat you.
"Whoa!"
Shirone finally exhaled air.
I don't know how long I held my breath, but the air rushed out endlessly. It seemed as if all the thoughts in her head were drained out.
As my mind cleared, I saw the target clearly.
Shirone stood up properly and prepared to cast her magic. But the nobles still only snorted.
In their opinion, if Shirone had brains, he should have developed his skills quickly and spectacularly somehow.
It's enough for experts to judge magic skills, and what they want to confirm is Shirone's will. With such a lukewarm attitude, no noble could be persuaded.
But Shirone didn't care.
will become a beast
When I concentrated my mind with such thoughts, a photon cannon was born as if it exploded in front of me.
Shirone endlessly compressed the photons. The sphere of light shook violently as it repeatedly contracted and expanded.
Amy was horrified to realize that the casting of the Photon Cannon was taking much longer than usual.
In the 2,000 confrontation, even though his mental power was almost exhausted, it was the power that caused the system to go down. I couldn't even imagine what the result would be if I passed the strongest Photon Cannon through Ataraxia.
'not there yet. I can't get enough of this!'
Shirone continued to compress the sphere of light.
From the beginning, there were no enemies or allies here. The Terraze gang and the Orkamp gang were all thinking of using themselves.
'more… … more!'
Tears welled up. The memories of the three days flooded in at once.
When he remembered his mother's fear, the photon cannon rapidly compressed and turned into a white light that could no longer receive photons. The photon cannon, the size of a human head, swayed wildly as if it were going off center.
Amy jumped up from her seat. She was too extreme, and she was dangerous in that she could not predict the future.
However, before she could shout at Shirone, the photon cannon penetrated Ataraxia. Having already experienced it two thousand times, she closed her eyes tightly and twisted her body.
Flash!
A huge tunnel of light appeared in front of Shirone, pushing everything in the way. even waiting.
A roar exploded, paralyzing people's eardrums, and the intense light erased their vision for an instant.
It was all dark for a while.
As my eyes adapted to the landscape, the world revealed was completely different from a second ago. Not only the inner walls of the Colosseum, but also the ridge that stood in the distance disappeared. Particles that had disintegrated into dust floated on the ground like a huge smoke screen.
When the wind pushed away the dust, the traces of the Photon Cannon appeared. The flat land that dozens of wagons could pass stretched all the way to the horizon.
The nobles were surrounded by high-ranking wizards. The swordsman looked out for his son-in-law around the mage who was frowning and setting up a strong local barrier. If Shirone had shown even the slightest suspicion, he would have run into the Colosseum.
"Such audacity! What are you doing!"
The fat nobleman slammed his chair down and jumped to his feet. The other nobles were also trembling in the same way.
What would happen if the magic was cast toward the bleachers?
The swordsman must have cut his throat the moment Shirone turned around, but it was a matter of regulation. In fact, weren't they also nervous about the idea of magic being demonstrated by students?
The fat nobleman repeatedly cursed at Shirone. However, he quickly shut up at the words of the wolf-looking nobleman sitting next to him and sat down.
It was a position already approved by Orkamp. If he rebelled here, it would be no different than exposing his identity.
"I, that child… … ."
Ji-on trembled with anger.
Not only did he chew his proposal like chewing gum, but the formidable power of magic shattered his pride.
Does it make sense for humans to push mountains?
No, even if it was possible, it was at the level of a great wizard.
That a mediocre would-be wizard wielding such abilities was a testament to how unfair the human world was.
Until now, Ji-on had refused to be equal with anyone, but now she was jealous and couldn't stand it.
Power beyond measure must only belong to royalty. If such power is given to an illegitimate child who has no power, wealth, or status, how will the country survive?
"I definitely heard the answer, Shirone. Let's see!"
Ji-on shouted for everyone to hear and headed for the exit. A number of aristocratic groups escaped after him.
It might be Theraze group, but Shirone didn't care. After casting the full-powered Photon Cannon, I was just trying to hold on to the consciousness that was staggering as if it would fly away in a storm.
This was the first time I had cast Ataraxia and not collapsed. It was also thanks to his increased durability, but it was proof that he was enduring with such a strong heart.
Shirone turned her head with intense eyes. Woorin was still in his seat. But her response was to raise her eyebrows slightly and raise the corners of her mouth in a mocking manner.
She got up and whispered something to the cat and left the Colosseum without regret.
3. Late Night Ball (1)
Orkamp's steps were faster than usual.
Although he is not easily excited, it was difficult to control his emotions this time around.
I was able to calm myself down only after I pushed through the door of the study and drank the water placed on the desk.
Ataraxia.
It was truly catastrophic magic. No, is it new now?
What he saw was the power of the archangel, the supreme commander of heaven. And he was told that there are seven other archangels of equal power in heaven.
Suddenly, I felt skeptical.
Will Valkyrie be able to deal with it alone?
'it's okay. Let's not look too far. It's good for me anyway.'
If only Ataraxia can be cloned, it is not a dream to join the 'Holy War', the highest national meeting of Valkyries.
The 12 most powerful monarchs in the world.
Although the position of the 'Three Emperors', to which Empress Theraze belongs, was unreasonable, the 'Seven Kings' below it were worthy of being overlooked.
If that happens, Thera will also have no choice but to acknowledge Kazura's independence.
What would it feel like to manipulate the world's economy, culture, society, life, knowledge, and art at will? Orkamp was already imagining that.
"How is it?"
As Orkamp asked, Arius appeared from a corner of the study.
Appearances like this would be unpleasant from the ruler's point of view, but Arius was stubborn.
But today, unlike before, it wasn't unusual. His face was flushed as much as Orkamp's.
"It was definitely great. Ataraxia, this is a wonderful ability."
"I am not talking about that. Can you duplicate it now?"
"Impossible."
Orkamp thought he had heard wrong. But his own ears were normal.
He tried to suppress his rising anger, but it was far from calming down.
So far, I've done whatever Arius asked for. It was a demonstration that he even pushed through while sticking a dagger into his child's heart.
"Why not? Is this again encapsulation?
"That is the primary cause. But even if you break the encapsulation, it's the same. Ataraxia is an ability beyond human conception. In short, even Shirone himself does not know."
"Does that make sense? I saw Shirone cast Ataraxia with my own eyes. Does that mean Shirone is not human?"
"In a sense, yes. It's because the human body contains something that is not human. Shirone doesn't understand and cast Ataraxia. How about explaining it like this? It just happens."
Orkamp's eyes grew cold.
"Tell me straight. You must convince me in this answer."
Feeling alive, Arius finally stopped laughing.
"The most likely is that Ataraxia is etched very deep into Shirone's subconscious. Maybe not close to instinct? Then, it is not strange that Shirone uses her abilities even if she does not know the principles. It's not that you understand how to breathe and breathe."
"Instinct. If so, wouldn't it be okay to extract it from there?"
"well. Instinct is said to be maternal consciousness, and it is an area that is influenced at the genetic level. Even if I'm a professional grave digger, it's impossible to dive that far. No, to be precise, you can dive, but you will be crushed by Shirone's unconsciousness."
Orkamp banged the desk.
I've been saying no to it ever since. What's more, I can't dive because my life is precious now.
"Do you know that I hired you just to listen to that? If you don't get Ataraxia… … !"
"There is one way."
Orkamp changed his expression as if he had never done that.
Well, the 7 Madou Girls of the Black Line wouldn't have boasted of their incompetence without any countermeasures.
"Sorry for not telling you earlier. However, this can be a bit tricky. Perhaps His Highness will need resolution as well."
"If you're determined, it's always done. What way?"
Arius looked around and whispered in his ear. Normally, he didn't care whether Eliza eavesdropped or not, but this time it was good to be cautious.
"What, what?"
Orkamp raised his eyes in horror. Arius' eyes, on the other hand, narrowed like snakes.
I didn't know when he was smiling, but his expressionless face was like a poisonous snake.
"It is the only way."
Orkamp touched the desk with trembling hands.
"Yeah, that can't be. Do you know what that means?"
"of course. But with this method, you can definitely get ataraxia."
Orkamp let out a heavy breath.
get ataraxia In Valkyrie, she has the ability designated as Triple S.
Kazura's Independence. seven planets. Several thoughts ran through my mind.
"but… … Do I really have to do that?"
"Your Highness, I've told you many times, but I don't have time. It is time for quick decisions."
Orkamp shook his head.
It took time. Even if they do, how will they deal with the aftermath that will follow them? You should also have a plan in place for that.
"Give me a moment, a little time to think."
Arius' face contorted viciously. But when Orkamp raised his head, he returned to smiling as usual.
"Of course, it takes time. All right. Call me when you are sure."
Arius bowed and left the study.
As he walked quickly down the hallway, he leaned his back against the wall in an empty place and spat out curse words.
"Sheesh, stupid child. pathetic guy It's like a peck."
Of course, Orkamp's reaction was normal. After calling them bloodlines they found after 18 years, they made them endure all kinds of humiliation and insults, and now they are trying to steal even the most precious thing.
However, there should be no limit to the king's ruthlessness. This can work, that can't, and having a barrier to judgment in this way meant that the bowl was small after all.
If you start hesitating, you won't have anything. Even if you follow the suggestion belatedly, remorse will distract you. Such people would one day ruin everything.
'It's disappointing, Orkamp. I thought he was a ruthless monarch, but he's no different from an ordinary nobleman.'
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Chapter - 281 - 3. Late Night Dance (2) 1.txt
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[281] 3. Late Night Ball (2)
Most of the black lines are wanted criminals. In particular, Madou 7 Girls are stigmatized as world-class heinous criminals, so they need an absolutely safe hiding place to stay in one place.
Working for such an inferior master, one would sooner or later end up hanging on the guillotine. When her thoughts reached that far, she couldn't help but worry about her own safety.
"Hmm, shall we organize this place soon?"
The reason Arius hasn't been caught so far even though the Red Line's bounty hunters turn on the light in their eyes and chase him is because of his sixth sense, which animalically catches hit and run.
The senses that had been refined over 10 years of escapism were warning her that it would be dangerous if she did not leave now.
'But I'm sorry to end it like this… … .'
Ataraxia. The best catch in a grave robber's life was caught in the net.
The reason he jumped into robbery was to satisfy the intellectual desire of the unlocker, although material value also played a part.
In that sense, Archangel Ikael's abilities were definitely something to behold.
'Shall we pretend to be crazy and dive to the first level? No, it is impossible alone. Especially since the unconsciousness of wizards is much stronger than that of ordinary people. That's why I can't stick to Orkamp.'
Arius, who had rested his chin on his head and was lost in thought, slowly raised his head. Then he looked back into the empty hallway and said with a thin eye smile.
"What happened?"
When Ji-on's aide, an unknown official, appeared from around the corner, a cynicism was built involuntarily. The official is neither a wizard nor an assassin. But, as always, he didn't make his presence felt until he made his mark first.
"There is someone who wants to meet Arius-nim."
Arius knows what Zeon is. However, the official did not disclose the owner's name.
It wouldn't be nice to know that Arius, an aide to Orkamp, and Zeon, the core of the Theraze faction, secretly met and traded.
"It's a nice suggestion to hear. Please guide me."
As the official turned and walked away, Arius watched the old man's Achilles tendon.
They are walking without even making a sound.
It looks as light as a cat, but the calf muscles hidden in the robe must have been extremely developed.
That doesn't mean he's a great master. To put it bluntly, is it the craftsmanship of a person who devoted his life to helping his master?
'Huh, it's a really fun place. royal castle.'
@
"Damn it! That son of a bitch totally blew me away!"
A glass bottle thrown by Ji-on hit the gallery door. The glass shattered and the cat sleeping on the floor threw itself.
Either that or not, Uorin sat down at the table and put the cup to her lips and passed it over.
"why? i was good You were gorgeous."
Ji-on glared at his sister.
Her dubious personality is usually cute, but when the situation was like this, she was hateful to the point of death.
"I have to go out on my own. You can't just leave Shirone alone."
Uorin said while stroking the chin of the cat on her lap.
"It was threatening. What would happen if I cast the magic towards the bleachers?"
Recalling the situation at the time, Ji-on blushed.
Just as Uorin said, it was terrifying power. No matter how top-notch bodyguards were, there would have been casualties.
"That's right! You declared war! It must have been revenge for my sword!"
"Do you think that went too far? It could be that he was just angry."
"It's the same anyway! The lowly thing ignored my suggestion! I won't let you go!"
Then someone knocked on the gallery door.
Sensing that it was Arius, Zeon calmed down and went back to the table with his sister.
"come in."
Arius opened the door and came in. It was the only place where you could meet Ji-on and avoid people's attention, but the atmosphere was unusual today. Jumping over the shards of glass on the floor, he bowed politely.
"It's been a while, First Prince. Oh, the young lady was there too."
Ji-on gasped and snorted. In the current situation, even the title of first prince was nothing more than a façade.
"Sit down for now. I have something to tell you."
Arius made a gesture of forgiveness and sat down on a chair, and Uorin poured tea.
Receiving the teacup with both hands, he turned to Ji-on and asked.
"What did you call me for? Are you tired of the object I brought you last time?"
Uorin waved her finger and corrected it.
"Ah, I didn't save you. It was definitely sold for money."
"haha! If you follow me, that's how it will be. But do you know that it is not something that can be obtained with money? It is an object."
Ji-on didn't want to engage in trivial small talk.
"The object is not the problem."
"Oh, what if?"
"Don't turn around when you know it's obvious! now it's clear The reason why his father called Shirone to the royal castle. Is it to steal Akraxia?"
"It's not Akraxia, it's called Ataraxia. And what about robbery? If possible, please call it extraction."
Ji-on took a deep breath and calmed down. If you got caught up in Arius' clever conversation, you wouldn't be able to get to the main point even after a day.
"so… … How far did that plan go?"
"Hmm, that's difficult even for the first prince. First of all, since I belong to Your Highness, I cannot disclose confidential information."
Zeon held out his hand to the north. As Armand flew in and clung to his hand, he immediately swung it and aimed it at Arius' neck.
"Am I not kidding? You better speak straight."
Arius took a sip of tea as if he only had time after the knife came in.
But there were many thoughts running through my head.
Ji-on is nothing more than a spoiled brat. Armand, on the other hand, was a cumbersome weapon. Although he had saved him, it was truly a waste of money for a lesser royal family to possess.
"If you ask me how far it has progressed… … Maybe 49 percent?"
It wasn't a lie. Everything is half started, and I haven't even started yet, so 49% is appropriate.
Uorin, realizing the meaning, burst into laughter, but Ji-on, as if thinking that he had made considerable progress, pressed forward with a surprised expression.
"Never stop. No, get rid of Ataraxia altogether. Would it be possible for a grave robber?"
Arius sighed.
He said he was like a pathetic guy. How could it be an archangel's ability that came over to the world, but only a king or something could remove it as a great number?
Ataraxia was a treasure trove of mankind that should be analyzed someday, even if it was not robbed by itself.
"I will say it again, as a hired body of Your Highness… … ."
"I'll give you any amount of money."
Arius shut his mouth.
So far, he has made a huge amount of money trading with Zeon. Of course, he tends to enjoy robbery rather than money, but he broke up with Orkamp anyway. Lastly, if you make it big and carry it, wouldn't it be possible to get a retirement pay?
"Hmm."
Arius, lost in thought, finally revealed his true self.
When the cool snake's eyes were exposed, Ji-on got goosebumps even while aiming the knife at him.
However, the pupil hidden by Arius' slender eyes was not directed at Zeon, but at Urin.
'It's beautiful.'
It's not something you'd feel for a fourteen-year-old girl, but she was wonderful. In addition to her mysterious appearance, Terra Zera was a truly desirable fruit with her halo.
So far, I've analyzed the minds of countless people, but I couldn't figure out what Uorin was thinking.
When I first started working as a diver, there was a time when I indulged in the fun of looking into the secret desires of humans.
Desires that were truly muddy, ugly, and even grotesque.
But after more than 800 dives, no human spirit feels new.
In such a situation, Wu-rin was a resource that could show him a new world he had never experienced before.
If I could dive one last time before dying, the target would be Uorin, not Ataraxia.
"First, let me tell you the exact progress. Currently, Shirone's Ataraxia cannot be extracted. Because it is encapsulated. But if you want, you can take out the whole ataraxia and give it to the prince."
"Are you giving it to me? Ataraxia?"
"yes. The power of an archangel is to be possessed by the prince."
Ji-on swallowed his saliva. At this moment, his face was pulled out of Orkamp.
No, anyone who confirmed the power of Ataraxia would have the same reaction.
However, he immediately recognized the error in his words, as if this was not the case for Uorin.
"Didn't you just say extraction was impossible?"
"If it's the normal way, yes. Ataraxia is presumed to be staying in the depths of Shirone's consciousness. In a word, it is too deep. The deeper you dive into the psyche, the stronger the ego's resistance. If it's a deep-sea level, you'll be buried as soon as you enter it."
Zion gathered Armand and asked.
"But how are you going to dig?"
"There is one way."
Arius intended to do the same as the offer he had made to Orkamp.
However, unlike before, it took off.
If the situation can be reversed, now is the last chance. The moment I bring out this proposal, I completely dislike Orkamp. He also said he had to leave Kazura as soon as the job was done.
"say! How can I have Ataraxia?"
As Zeon pressed on, Arius spoke in a cold voice.
"To harvest Shirone's brain."
Not only Ji-on, but also Woo-rin showed a surprised expression.
"Brain… … Are you extracting?"
"To be precise, it is to collapse Shirone's unconscious. Consciousness is governed by the brain, but unconsciousness is connected to the body. Separation of the brain from the body thus significantly weakens the resistance of the ego, even down to the depths of consciousness. Of course, you don't have to open up to the skull. It just needs the top of the neck."
Arius pretended to slit his throat with his thumb.
Ji-on nodded as if he understood.
"In short, you can kill Shirone."
"well. Because I don't like inductive thinking. You don't necessarily die just because your throat is cut, do you? I'm not trying to kill Shirone, I'm just telling you how to safely infiltrate your unconscious."
Zion was inconsiderate. It is unlikely that the remarks made today were not related to the assassination of the candidate for the first prince.
"You don't die by cutting your throat? Absolutely insane."
Arius laughed as if he had been praised.
"There is something I learned while living as a grave robber, and there is no person in the world who is not crazy."
Ji-on rejected the opponent for crazy words and went to the main point.
"If I bring Shirone's head, can I extract Ataraxia?"
"If you ask if it is possible, it is possible. However, too much time should not pass. You have to go in at the same time as the throat is cut. 'Just in case', when death is reached, the mind also disappears."
"So fast? If your head is cut off, your life will last only about 10 seconds."
"In the unconscious, time passes slowly. The door is set up, so go in as soon as you cut Shirone's head. From there you will dive to level 1. And then we dig the real Ataraxia. Then it will be yours."
Ji-on inflates his cheeks and hoo! exhaled, and he walked around the gallery.
Even so, it's an overt assassination. Maybe it's too hasty?
no, this is correct As time goes by, the number of neutrals attached to Orkamp will increase. If anything had to be done before the paternity test results came out, today was the right time.
Arius read the killing spree in Zeon's eyes and smiled with satisfaction. He was certainly more of a king than Orkamp.
Arius asked as if he had already heard the answer.
"Then, how much would you like to buy it for?"
Ji-on also responded by not refuting.
The negotiating table is now set. After thinking it through, he offered a reasonable bid.
"2.7 billion gold."
Arius asked with a slightly unwilling expression.
"Hmm, Armand's transaction price was 3 billion gold, right?"
"So what? Are you saying that bastard's magic is worth more than my demonic sword?"
The 2.7 billion that Zion assumed was the amount that came out of that.
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Chapter - 282 - 3. Late Night Dance (3) 1.txt
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[282] 3. Late Night Ball (3)
"well. I'm just a seller. Since you saw the demonstration yourself, isn't the original presentation made by the buyer?"
Zion bit his lip.
No matter how much you deny it, the reality is clear. Ataraxia had a much higher value than Armand. No, I wanted to have it by any means, regardless of its value.
"Four billion. It's almost all of my possessions. Will this be enough?"
"Well, four billion."
If it was 4 billion, it would be enough to build four magic schools at the current market price. But Arius didn't like it.
Honestly, no matter how much I gave it, it was the same.
Nevertheless, the reason why it was not handed over to the auction is because it is a stolen property.
Of course, most of the objects are stolen goods, but there was room for the tails to be trampled on by the pursuers if the stolen items were put up for auction.
Money was not very important to Arius anyway, so selling it to Zeon, the safest, was the only business left.
When Arius showed that he was not satisfied with 4 billion, Jion became impatient. This is because the desire for something that is not easily obtained grows even bigger.
However, if the funds were stripped away, it would only add about 700 million won to the current amount.
Uorin would have ten times as much as 4.7 billion, but it would be foolish to waste money on a single opportunity to ask her for help.
Since Arius isn't obsessed with material anyway, Ji-on decided to pull out the last card.
"In addition to that, I will make Theraje stand in line."
As expected, Arius' eyes sparkled.
Theraze, the emperor of Kashan, is one of the three emperors with the most power on the continent. If he can get her asylum, he won't have to live as a fugitive anymore.
However, Jion did not have the authority to request personnel appointments. Uorin was the only gateway that could enter Theraze's line.
Ji-on looked at his younger sister's expression with a sidelong glance and asked.
"Uorin, can you do that?"
It's the first request in my life, but I'm sure it will be the last request. With Ataraxia, you can win and win on your own.
Just once, just this one time.
"Then Shirone oppa is going to die?"
"Perhaps. There is no guarantee that you will die just because your head is cut off."
Knowing that his sister has a crush on Shirone, Zion said the crazy thing that Arius did. But it was a pretty good pun to get around.
"Hmm."
Uorin put a finger on her lips and looked up at the ceiling.
I don't want to get involved in Kazura's politics, but I feel sorry for Jion's struggles lately, and on the other hand, I feel sorry for his incompetence. It seems like this will be the last chance anyway, so it's good to patronize.
"OK got it. I'll tell Mom."
Ji-on let out a sigh of relief.
It was ironic to feel nervous about what a family could have done, but permission was granted anyway, so it didn't matter anymore.
"Okay, the deal is done. 4 billion, plus Theraze line. Behead Shirone tonight. And bring me Ataraxia."
Arius blinked and raised his hand.
"for a moment. Are you telling me to do that now?"
"What are you talking about? If the grave robber doesn't do it, who will?"
"No, that's because the prince doesn't know, this is a profession. I am an expert in grave robbery, but combat is not my major. I especially hate seeing blood."
Zion looked at him in bewilderment.
No matter how many non-combat mages there are in the world, they have the fighting power to overcome dangerous situations.
Is it reasonable to say that humans, who just a moment ago were raving about having to have their brains removed, say they don't want to see blood?
"Does it make sense that you can't fight? Still, isn't Shirone going to win?"
"It is not a matter of winning or losing. Even if I eat all the swear words in the world, I am an authority in psychoanalysis. At one time, it was even listed as one of the world's top 100 intellects. Can you imagine me holding a knife and decapitating an eighteen-year-old boy?"
"So what? Do you want me to go and kill you?"
"If you can do it, you better do it."
When Arius raised his hand and pretended to pass it on, Jion gnashed his teeth. However, he couldn't force him to do it even though the person concerned said he couldn't do it.
"I can't. I will."
"Oh, as expected, Prince. You are manly."
When Arius instigated it, Zion snorted. There were plenty of people who could secretly decapitate an eighteen-year-old boy without having to look outside.
"But I can't have blood on my hands. I have no choice but to write a professional job here. Xenoger."
Having said that, Ji-on looked into the void.
Sensing something, his gaze slowly descended and fixed on Arius's shoulder.
Arius showed a firm smile as he stroked the back of his neck.
"Huh, this makes me scared to look back."
As soon as Arius finished speaking, his life disappeared like a lie. And after a while, a man hung upside down in front of Arius came down.
A thin thread, apparently coming from the hip, was connected to the ceiling. The legs are crossed as if sitting, and both hands are gathered in the danjeon to form a circle.
His face was thin and his thin nose bent vertically from the bridge of his nose. Her lips were as thin as ever. In particular, the eyes were not the usual streamlined shape, but a perfect circle, and even that was small.
"Did you call, Prince?"
Zion turned to Arius and introduced him.
"Greetings. This is my personal bodyguard, Spatur Xenogger. Xenoger, this is Arius."
Xenoger twisted the thread while hanging upside down to deflect it. That way he nodded to Zion, then turned back to Arius.
"Of course I know. Because I've seen it many times. Of course, this person will be seeing me for the first time."
Arius smiled like an incontinence.
Obviously seeing Xenoger for the first time. However, he must have been watching himself every time he came to the gallery.
"Wow, that's great workmanship. Where were you hiding?"
Xenoger replied with an emotionless face like a corpse.
"Are you hiding? I was always behind you?"
"Won, even kidding… … ."
Arius's eyes narrowed even more.
maybe it's true Unless there are eyes on the back of your head, the world behind your back doesn't exist.
However, stepping on the back of the Madou 7 girls is not that easy, so it would be good for your mental health to think of it as a joke.
"Do you think it is a lie?"
As he said that, flesh bulged from both cheekbones and temples of Xenoger. Subsequently, the epidermis was split, and six additional eyes, three each, developed.
It had no pupils and had purple eyes like grapes.
8 eyes in total. Perhaps his blindness is 15 degrees at most.
'A person with imitation ability… … .'
As expected by Arius, Xenoger was a master of spider mimicry, a type of skima taijutsu.
Mimicry means to create organs completely different from humans by rapidly transforming cell traits through schema.
However, in order to cause extreme mutations like Xenoger's, genetic power must be added.
The Spatur clan, which has been responsible for the safety of the Theraze family for generations, has been transforming their bodies into spiders for nearly a thousand years. As it was passed on through genetics, it was equipped with the ability to mimic a perfect spider.
Arius looked away from Xenoger and looked at Uorin.
The children of Theraze always have personal bodyguards attached. Therefore, Uorin's bodyguards must have been here as well.
Arius looked as wide as possible as far as the movement of his eyes allowed. But no matter where he looked, the assassin was nowhere to be seen.
perhaps… … She might have been standing behind her.
Thinking like that made me a little creepy.
He refrained from entering the Spirit Zone in front of the royal family because it could cause misunderstandings, but even if he explored with synesthesia, there was a high chance that he would not be caught.
This is because competent assassins acquire a unique skill that goes undetected by the Spirit Zone.
'Whoa, this is why I can't give up on this life.'
After the strange voice over, Ji-on went back to the main topic.
"Shall we plan a plan now? Xenoger will be in charge of killing Shirone, no, separating her brain from her body. If the head is cut off, you can go in and get Ataraxia."
Arius was no longer dissatisfied.
"Of course it is. Mobility is sufficient. But the second thing to consider is stealth. No one but the people gathered in this room should know about the current operation."
Zeon immediately understood and asked Xenoger.
"Can you do it without anyone knowing?"
"That doesn't matter. If you follow someone, at some point you will definitely end up alone. If not, why not just kill everyone in the seat?"
"Of course, that could be one way. But I want to reduce the number of variables as much as possible."
Arius said.
"The tricky thing is the two women. Reina has to do her job, so she can get away with it, but a woman named Amy will stick with Shirone. She is also the daughter of the Karmis family. If you leave her free, there may be variables."
Hearing Arius' words, Xenoger's face again had 8 pupils.
Having activated his mimicry ability, he was a perfect spider. Even though he existed in front of my eyes, it felt like his reality had faded.
"There are no mistakes for me."
Arius pushed his hands together and made a gesture to calm down.
"Whoa, it's not that I don't believe in my skills. But, assuming, it is."
Ji-on, who was deep in thought with his chin on his chin, made a decision.
"Okay then let me hold Amy while you guys take care of your business. I'm killing you. Wouldn't it be over in 5 minutes? Then, can I just hold it for about an hour?"
"Oh, that's how you like it."
Zion did not deny it.
"what… … Are you pretty? If it's a one-night stand, it might be your preference."
Arius was bitter at the words that came out of the boy's mouth. Well, since I was born and raised in the royal castle, I had to see that the intensity of my experience was different from other adolescents.
In any case, he was not interested in the royal family. Steal the power of an archangel. That alone thrilled him.
"Then let's set a place and time."
While the three of them meticulously made plans, Woo-rin was left alone in a corner and had a boring time.
When I stroked the cat, it meowed and meowed. She smiled her eyes too and she replied meow.
@
The royal castle was in a festive mood.
Shirone, the candidate for the first prince, showed off his mighty majesty, so the servants were moved to tears even if they were forced to.
A grand party was held, and even after the sun had set, the Grand Hall was as bright as daytime.
Long tables were set up along the perimeter of the hall, and delicacies were served. Nobles and nobles chatted while the court musicians resounded.
The nobles who flowed along with the food that suits their taste greeted Shirone.
"The demonstration was good. That was a really great validation. The test results haven't come out yet, but looking at your dance, it's clear that Your Highness has blood, heh heh heh."
As Shirone listened, the quick-witted noble responded.
"Is it possible? The reunion after 18 years is like that, and it's all thanks to Your Highness's merits reaching the sky. Shirone-sama thinks so too, doesn't it?"
Shirone did not respond this time either.
don't be fooled anymore The king's laws and manners are nothing more than a mask to hide his true feelings. When you take off that mask, everyone has a cold face like you.
'Are these people enemies or allies?'
It seemed that the royal family was destined to live with such thoughts for the rest of their lives.
The loudest person in the banquet hall was Eliza.
Even though she had never raised her, the compliments did not stop as if she knew everything about Shirone.
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