Chapter 419: That (4)

Chapter 419: That (4)

The desert was immensely vast and sprawling, reaching as far as the eye could see. There was nothing but dense sand regardless of what direction one looked in, and the murderously hot sun pierced down with its gaze from above.

This particular region was known for being one of the harshest deserts within the territory of Nahama. There were no nearby villages or oases. It was, as a result, a place untouched by tourists.

To be precise, it was created to be like this on purpose. If nature did not provide an oasis, one could craft one, but there were compelling reasons for not doing so.

A desert devoid of life was quite a bare sight. However, it was appealing to black wizards.

In these barren depths, they could conduct their clandestine deeds without the risk of rumors or surveillance. Moreover, in the desert, the mysterious disappearance of a few souls wouldn't raise eyebrows. As such, this location was a prime land for the activities of black wizards.

"I cant believe Im saying this, but the black wizards of Aroth were refined and sane in comparison, muttered Melkith El-Hayah as she brushed the sand off her robes. "Isnt that right? There were occasional disappearances and deaths in Aroth, but the Black Tower itself was always quite innocent when it came to such matters, wasn't it?" she continued.

Wizards from all corners of the continent gathered in the magical kingdom of Aroth. While magical experimentation on humans was heresy and forbidden, most wizards would readily break taboos when they were consumed by their curiosity.

This disposition inevitably cast a shadow over Aroth. Pursuing forbidden knowledge wasn't just limited to black wizards. While some wizards only tampered with corpses or vagrants, the more depraved would even harm innocent citizens or tourists.

However, those affiliated with the Wizard Towers couldn't cross such lines due to the strict oversight imposed on them by the towers.

"But here, in this desert, there's nothing to regulate the wizards. It's not just the black wizards that are the problem. In the last few months, about a third of those I've buried in the sands were just ordinary wizards, said Melkith.

Melkith had heard tales of Nahama's black wizard dungeons. These dungeons acted as miniature wizard towers, hosting a faction of wizards that rejected even guild affiliations. Yet, she had never imagined the situation to be this dire.

Perhaps it was an inevitable issue.

Wizards, especially the higher-ranked ones, were engrossed in their magic. These black wizards were more like wizards than anyone else, in essence. And such figures were more concerned with the advancement of their magic and their future studies than anything else. They couldnt care less about how wizards in other nations lived their lives.

"Anyway, speaking of which, Im wandering so far from my home and. Ah, would you know where Im from? No, of course, you wouldnt! I never told you. Ta-da! I hail from the Allos Kingdom up north. It's one of those tiny nations within the Anti-Demon Alliance. Im pretty sure theres no one as renowned and skilled as me throughout the history of the Allos Kingdom.

Melkith chattered on tirelessly.

"Anyway, here I am, the great Melkith El-Hayah, wandering this far-flung desert all alone, far, far away from home. Im facing the scorching heat by day and freezing cold by night, confronting wicked wizards with their vile deeds... and why arent you saying anything?"

[I am listening, even if I do not respond.] The one that responded was a wind spirit that had been floating around Melkith.

Eugene Lionheart was still lingering in Lehainjar with Molon. He was getting reports from Melkith in this matter through the wind spirit.

"Really? Youre not lying, are you? Eugene, I feel the weight of loneliness lately. Perhaps I'm learning the essence of solitude in this vast desert..." continued Melkith.

[Dont say something so nasty,] came the response.

"Nasty!? Is it so off-putting to you that I confess my loneliness?" said Melkith.

[What loneliness are you talking about? You do just fine having lots of fun by yourself, Lady Melkith. Even when youre alone, you have lots of people to talk to,] explained Eugene.

"What nonsense is that? I have many people to talk with even when Im alone? retorted Melkith.

[You have the spirits, do you not?] challenged Eugene.

"Hey! Do you think spirits are humans? Spirits are spirits, Melkith retorted.

[That statement feels somewhat prejudiced against spirits. Are you suggesting that spirits arent worthy conversation partners, Lady Melkith? Such a belief might cause friction with Tempest.] Eugene commented.

"No-no-no-no! That's not what I meant! In my view, spirits are superior, more evolved entities than mere humans! It's beyond m-m-me to initiate a conversation with them. I have to wait for the spirits to reach out first!" Melkith attempted to rectify her words in haste.

"So, please let Tempest know how I feel, will you? Its really bizarre the more I think about it Im sure there must be a communication link between Tempest and me, yet no matter how often I call, there's no response from Tempests end. Do you think our connections been severed?" questioned Melkith, confused.

[Well. No, that's not the case. Tempest just prefers... um reserved? Silent? Tempest would prefer a taciturn companion,] responded Eugene.

"That would be me, Melkith immediately answered.

[Lady Melkith, Tempest says its exhausting to answer when you call without rest,] Eugene explained.

"Hmm... wouldn't regular dialogues enhance our rapport?" Melkith asked.

[Tempest believes you should first focus on nurturing your aptitude as a spirit companion,] Eugene answered.

"Why does Tempest communicate only with you despite being able to converse with me?" Melkith inquired.

[Tempest says he is worried that direct communication might overwhelm you, Lady Melkith. Collapsing from overload in this desert would be disastrous,] responded Eugene.

"Oh, so hes worried about me!" Melkith shouted in glee while hopping around in excitement. "Well, if that's the case, so be it. You're still with Sir Molon, aren't you?"Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

[Once this report is concluded, I'll return to duel with Sir Molon,] answered Eugene.

"Are you trying to tell me to wrap this up quickly? How very audacious, considering I'm enduring this wretched desert at someone's behest, Melkith grumbled.

[It was a bargain, remember?] Eugenes retort was as sharp as a blade, and it left Melkith speechless for a moment. Yet, this audacious spirit wizard did not hesitate to pucker her lips in retort.

"Yes~. Right~. A bargain~. How splendid! I'm truly envious~, Melkith drawled, making her sarcasm pretty obvious.

[Do you have no sense of decorum at all?] Eugene asked.

"Nope~. None at all! Worrying about such things is just too tiring~," responded Melkith.

[Well.] Eugene heaved a heavy sigh.

After a short moment, the wind spirit underwent a sudden transformation. Melkith stared at it with alarm.

While the wind spirit retained its fledgling appearance, the aura swirling around it, borne from the winds, was overwhelmingly majestic.

[I implore you,] the spirit of the wind issued forth in a stern voice.

Kyaaaaah! Melkith let out a joyous exclamation and leaped with elation on the spot.

The truth, though, was a mystery to all. Melkith didnt particularly concern herself with this matter either.

Although Balzac Ludbeth was a fellow tower master, he wasnt exactly a close friend. They had rarely been involved directly with each other, and while they had known each other for decades, their first joint endeavor had been the war in the Samar Forest.

Melkith believed he wouldnt have met some trivial end.

After all, the Black Tower Master was a suspicious figure in both name and appearance. It was hard to imagine such an individual perishing unceremoniously.

And had he not stated that his ambition as a wizard was to become a legend?

His ambition had been to become the greatest wizard in the world and to etch his name in the annals of magical history for centuries, just like the Wise Sienna. No wizard with the stature and prowess of Balzac Ludbeth, who seriously dreamt of becoming a legend, would die a meaningless death.

"...Why are you here?" Melkith finally asked.

I might ask the same, White Tower Master. Why are you here? Balzac replied while staring at Melkith with a calm expression. Then, with a slight smirk, Balzac shook his head. I can guess without hearing it directly from you. It must be because of Sir Eugenes request.

.. Melkith didnt respond.

I dont know exactly what kind of deal took place between you two, but White Tower Master, I cant think of any reason you'd personally challenge the dungeons of the black wizards or wage war on the entire realm of Nahama. But I couldnt say the same for Sir Eugene, deduced Balzac.

Not at all. Eugene has nothing to do with this. Im doing this all on my own, responded Melkith.

Were you so deeply indebted to Sir Eugene that you'd take the responsibility? questioned Balzac.

It's presumptuous and disrespectful to make assumptions, Black Tower Master. Rather than making baseless claims, why dont you answer my question? What are you doing here? Melkith asked once more.

What am I doing? To answer that specifically would be challenging but, recently, Ive been assisting you, answered Balzac.

...What? Melkith was dumbfounded at the unexpected reply.

White Tower Master, Ive discreetly dealt with the bodies youve left behind, cleaned up the things you didn't manage to in the dungeons, silenced the black wizards you spared, as well as the hostages you released back to the city. Ive even dealt with the assassins sent to capture you, he continued.

What? Melkith was genuinely shocked.

In the past few months alone, youve cleared over ten dungeons. Did you really think the Sultan wouldnt react? asked Balzac.

Thats not what Im asking, retorted Melkith.

A spark of anger flashed in Melkith's eyes. An Archwizard was an apex existence who always searched for something greater. Her overwhelming aura weighed down on Balzac.

The black wizards I spared, the hostages I returned to the city... you interfered? she asked.

Melkith was enraged by this revelation. Those she had deemed unnecessary to kill, those she had spared, and the hostages lucky enough to escape with their lives. If Balzac had acted against them of his own accord Melkith wouldn't restrain her wrath.

"Do I appear so wicked to you?" Balzac wore a look of genuine dismay as he questioned.

"You said you silenced them, responded Melkith.

"I merely silenced their tongues, White Tower Master. I did not harm them as you suspect, answered Balzac.

"Is that so?" Melkith said. She swiftly calmed herself moments before letting her anger erupt. Without another word, she turned around and began heading towards the dungeon entrance that resembled a treacherous antlion pit.

Balzac paused for a moment as he watched Melkith move away. Then, he followed her. "You won't inquire further?" he asked.

"Given your nature, even if I asked, you wouldn't answer. Why would I bother then?" said Melkith.

"Hmm." Balzacs reply was noncommittal.

"I was concerned since I screamed and used my magic, but. Hmm, seems like you didnt surprise me without thinking, commented Melkith.

Balzac's magic was intertwined with the trap. Thanks to that, the black wizards of the dungeon failed to notice Melkith above them.

"But here's my question. All this while, you've been handling matters behind the scenes. Why make an appearance now? Isn't it a tad too late for cautionary advice?" asked Melkith.

"I meant to advise you against meddling with this dungeon, answered Balzac.

"Why?" Melkith asked.

"The dungeon master here is a black wizard named Arask. Skill and character aside... the demon he's contracted with is quite violent, responded Balzac.

"Who is it?" asked Melkith.

"Harpeuron. Holding the title of count and ranked fifty-seventh in Helmuth. He's a greedy demon. White Tower Master, if you were to attack and kill the dungeon master Harpeuron would be enraged."

"All the better, Melkith grinned broadly as she responded. "What I need is precisely such a fierce reaction."

"You mean what Sir Eugene desires," said Balzac after a pause.

"Huh? No, what I need. Why do you keep mentioning Eugene, who isnt even here? Youre so strange, said Melkith while dismissively waving her hand.

Suddenly, the antlion trap beneath them activated. The sand began swirling towards its center. Melkith allowed himself to be pulled in by the sand as she turned to look back at Balzac.

"So, what will you do?" she asked.

"I'd rather not confront them directly, he answered.

"Will you wait here then?" Melkith challenged.

With a deep sigh, Balzac stepped into the antlion pit. Melkith smirked and raised her hands high as if she had been expecting this response.

Lets go! she said.

With arms still raised, Melkith plunged beneath the desert sands.