Chapter 46: Mage (3)

Chapter 46: Mage (3)

Mages were broadly divided into two categories.

There were battle mage, who mainly focused on researching lethal magic.

And then there were the general mages who delved into all other kinds of magic.

In this era, half of the mages were battle mages.

The first lesson these battle mages learned was how to eliminate their aversion to killing.

Magic, inherently dangerous and powerful, often resulted in the death of not only enemies but also allies in widespread spells.

A mage who lamented over killing their own allies seldom survived for long.

To stand against demons,

Battle mages had to become ruthless killers, devoid of both blood and tears.

What in the world

Kadal who had been dazed exclaimed at the mage.

What is this atrocity!

The mage was puzzled and responded.

What atrocity? I merely removed an obstacle to our plan. Thats why I came here, isnt it?

Kadals face contorted with anger. While it was true that they were obstacles, there was certainly room for dialogue.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

This mage had obliterated that possibility entirely.

These are His Majestys subjects! To burn such people to ashes without a second thought!

What are you talking about? According to the laws of the City of Irene, only those residents living within the city walls are recognized as such. The inhabitants of the slums are merely lawbreakers occupying this place without permission.

The mage methodically explained the law. The residents of the slums were not officially considered part of the city and thus were not protected by the law.

Therefore he argued that using magic on them was of no consequence.

How can you say that! This land is part of the Empire! Everything within the Empire belongs to His Majesty the Emperor! Its not about what the city law says or doesnt say!

Hmm. Thats quite an old-fa no, a conservative view. Well, anyway, it doesnt seem like the time for idle chatter, does it?

The mage gestured ahead.

The vigilantes who were struck by the magic were glaring in this direction with hostility.

There was no longer room for dialogue. What remained was conflict.

And they would never stand by as their territory was trampled upon.

Haah.

Kadal let out a deep sigh and gave instructions.

Subdue them all! But try to spare those who can be spared. Our goal is to root out the threats! Dont forget that!

Yes!

The guards and mercenaries responded with vigor and they all charged towards the vigilantes.

Kadal thought as he looked at them.

Its going to be a long day.

***

The underworld had made its own preparations. The residents gathered in the open space, and they were trembling with anxiety.

There was the sound of something exploding in the distance and black smoke billowing out.

It has begun.

Dale focused on the noise surrounding the barricaded alley with carts.

He couldnt help but think that this conflict might spill more blood than anticipated.

Is this really okay?

Even though there was a lull in the front lines, the war against the demons was still in full swing.

To be engaged in such pointless conflicts instead of standing united seemed utterly foolish to Dale.

The actions of the magic tower and the council members who supported them were incomprehensible.

Are they underestimating the demons that much?

The demons Dale remembered were truly world destroyers and living disasters.

Their strength was beyond reason.

No matter how hard you try, only creatures up to the middle rank could be hunted.

Even after trying with various classes, defeating high-ranking demons proved impossible.

Dale calculated that it would take the combined strength of four experts, each having mastered at least one class, to even stand a chance against them.

Thus, demons were objects of terror. Paradoxically, this very fear enabled humanity to unite.

The enemy was too formidable for any internal conflicts to arise.

Even when traitors who worshipped the demons emerged, people banded together.

But what about now?

The lull in the front lines was baffling enough, let alone the senseless conflicts that were being waged.

It implied a level of complacency and a diminished fear of demons.

Had people grown accustomed to the fear over time?

It doesnt make sense.

There were too many things that made no sense, especially the unsettling feeling this recent event provoked.

It was as if someone had intentionally orchestrated this situation.

It was impossible to know what lengths these money-hungry mercenaries might go to.

So, Dale responded,

Fine.

Zeons face lit up with a broad smile.

As expected of Sir Dale. Truly honorable

But theres a condition,

Yes?

You must enter alone.

What do you mean by that?

Theres hardly a need for many people to conduct the search.

Zeons eyes darted around the place and the forced smile on his lips twitched.

Haha. Still, going in alone could be somewhat risky.

Dont worry. There wont be any danger. Ill ensure your safety.

But Sir Dale, thats not the

Whats the matter?

Dale pressed further after seeing Zeons hesitation.

Didnt you say you trust me? Or was that a lie?

Zeons face hardened. Finding himself at a loss for words, he dropped his smile and said,

Are you truly going to proceed like this? This matter involves everyone from the guards to the guilds, even the magic tower. Do you intend to make enemies of them all?

They have their duties, and I have mine.

You will regret this.

Unable to hold back any longer, Zeon resorted to something akin to a threat. In response, Dale drew his sword.

Then try to make me regret it. With your own hands, not hiding behind anothers name.

As Dale pointed his sword, the mercenaries faces turned sour. The intent behind his gesture was clear.

Rush at me quickly or else get lost.

The mercenaries pondered their options.

There were about ten of them gathered here and none of whom held a rank higher than bronze.

Each had their own experience and a certain pride in their abilities.

Would it be worth it to engage in battle with Dale?

None of them thought so.

Facing a monster who had single-handedly destroyed a thieves guild seemed like a fools errand.

Every anxious gaze converged on Zeon and the latter also sensed the atmosphere around him. He swallowed a sigh and conceded. It was humiliating but it was time to retreat.

Fine. Well leave it at this for today. But mark my words, next time we wont come alone.

His final bluff was Zeons last stand of pride as a man and as a mercenary.

With that being said, Zeon turned to leave but Dale called out to stop him.

Stop.

?

The mercenaries froze in unison as Dale spoke.

If you intend to bring more next time, it might be better to eliminate you now.

Why let go of those who threaten to return?

Dale, sword in hand, strode forward decisively.

The terrified mercenaries glared at Zeon, but the latter felt it was unfair.

Come on, these were just the last words I used so he could let us go.

As Dale approached them, the mercenaries also walked in a hurry. But then Dale started running. The mercenaries ran as well, but they were quickly overtaken.

As Dale poised to swing his sword, Zeon hastily bowed down.

I-I apologize! It was just a moment of pride! I promise we wont come back again! You can hold my honor no, my parents honor to it!

Me too. I swear on my mother!

And I

The mercenaries began to desperately invoke their parents names. Dale looked at them with disdain before briefly stating,

Watch your words in the future.

He had only intended to scare them.

This encounter would likely ensure the mercenaries steered clear of this area for a while.

Th-Thank you.

Having felt the immediate threat of death, the mercenaries nodded vigorously before hastily making their retreat.

But they were forced to stop once again.

A group was approaching from behind.

Whats this? Why back down? You mercenaries are slacking off again?

The person who said that was a young man wearing a loose robe.

His arrogant tone, sharp accent, and the staff in his hand made it easy to deduce his identity.

He was a mage.