Episode 904 Magic Festival (6)
That’s surprising.
Isabella stood up, holding the wine bottle herself, in place of Verden. As she stopped before Meia, her keen eyes flickered quietly.
“Advice all of a sudden from the Lefragium Magic Tower, the epitome of mysticism.”“Is there a problem?”“Of course there is.”
The wine glass was slowly filled.
“Meia, you. You’re not exactly friendly toward our clan head.”
Even though Meia does not outwardly reveal her emotions, there is something that can be felt.It is a woman’s intuition.There was an invisible wall between the look in Meia’s eyes as she gazed at Verden at the last World Conference and her current attitude toward him.
Is it resistance?Or wariness?
He didn’t seem hostile, but judging by the feeling, he wasn’t friendly either. It was impossible not to be suspicious when such a transcendent being suddenly showed up and started talking about advice.
“…When formulating a plan, we usually set an ideal outcome as the goal and design the process step by step, focusing on that. Then, we control or predict as many variables as possible to maximize the success rate. Shinseong, I’m sure you can relate to this. After all, that is the way you’ve been doing it all along.”
Meia took just a tiny sip of the wine and put it down on the table. Isabella did not return to her seat but crossed her arms.
In that case, what is the biggest obstacle and element to avoid in the plan?
Verden answered.
“It must be a variable that cannot be controlled or predicted.”“That is you, Holy One. Thanks to you, the causality calculated over the past few hundred years has been twisted. Even the research that existed before I entered the Lefragium Magic Tower. It wasn’t something I intended to do in the first place, so there is nothing to resent, but that doesn’t mean I have any reason to welcome it. I have no way of knowing whether this uncertainty will ultimately be a gain or a loss.”“So.”
Verden interrupted.
“What does that advice have to do with Theodore?”
Theodore’s expression stiffened considerably as he stood right in front of Wolfred.Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
The stage fell silent.
Most wizards were holding their breath, anticipating what else would be shown, but this was an undeniable and obvious accident.
The ferocity of the demon beast is raw itself.
If Verden stepped forward, he could deal with it before the wolf’s fangs even touched him. However,Theodore was unable to even consider such a possibility, gripped by the fear that he might die immediately.
Meia said.
“Have you ever thought about the meaning of fate?”“Meaning?”“Fate, which governs beginnings and endings, did not simply arise randomly. The concept of fate is that the Wheel of Fortune repeatedly generates hypothetical futures, and based on these, determines and assigns the causality most suitable for each being. Although fate collapsed in the process of eliminating variables that even slightly influenced the determined causality, it can nevertheless be seen as representing a life in harmony with each individual.”
She pointed downwards.
“What was Theodore’s original destiny? The life that suited him.”
He directly mentioned fate and the wheel of fortune. He willingly brought up a sensitive topic as if he genuinely intended to offer advice.Not only Isabella but also Verden was slightly taken aback by his nonchalant demeanor.
[Fate. Not important. Worthless.]
At that moment, Alpha firmly pointed it out.
[There is no more fate.]
[It is unnecessary to waste mental energy on things that no longer exist.]
Beta also joined in.
Meia briefly met the eyes of the first Demon King’s two creations. The single blue eye of the golem was pure beyond compare.
Meia turned her head again.
“As you know, Theodore’s summoning magic doesn’t live up to the name. It is merely a clone spell, infused with a portion of his own consciousness into a magical beast model, making it incredibly difficult to execute. That is why the Provider intervened; displeased that this fake summoning magic was being mistaken for genuine one, especially since it lacked any destiny.”“By what right does the Provider do that?”“As a summoner who wields summoning magic. After all, he is just a mage. One who takes pride in the lineage of magic he practices.”
… … !
That statement can be interpreted to mean that the prototype of summoning magic exists.Even Verden, who had seized the archives of the very first magic tower, had never encountered any information related to summoning magic.
“Before the outbreak of the War of Destiny, there were various types of magic. Hierarchical magic and incantation magic. What you know is only a fraction of it. Anyway.”
Wolfred gradually draws his savage teeth closer to Theodore.
“Thanks to the Provider, Wolfred did not stop at being a doppelganger but gained a physical form. Of course, the fact that it is based on a part of Theodore’s ego remains the same. A magical model inhabited by a separated mind, and an actual body inhabited by a separated mind. Do you understand the difference?”“It’s like a doppelganger.”
Isabella frowned.
“So… the two of them are fighting?”“Since the summoner and the summoned creature possess identical consciousness and have physical entities of equal standing, they must determine who holds the upper hand. If the summoner takes the initiative, the contract succeeds; if the opposite happens, it fails. It is one of the schools of summoning magic that existed in the very distant past, where a mage molds their own unique summoned creature using their own ego.”
As the silence lasted longer than expected, whispers began to circulate in the audience.Nevertheless, Feldianne did not intervene as the host and watched the tense standoff between Theodore and Wolfred with interest.
Verden stroked his chin.
“If I win, do I become a Summoner?”“Theodore gains a companion that grows alongside him according to his magical level. If he loses, he might be killed or severely injured by his summoned creature, but since you will be watching over him, there shouldn’t be any danger.”
Meia rested her chin on the back of her hand.
“The tug-of-war between a summoner and a summoned creature can be decided physically, but the psychological element is far more significant. The moment you get intimidated by the creature, the chances of winning become very slim.”“…….”“Do you think Theodore will be able to seize the initiative? That young mage who can’t even hold his balance from the tension just from being the center of attention.”
Theodore’s lips trembled on the stage.
No matter how severed the thread of fate may be, unless you experience something life-changing, you will end up living the life that suits you best. Even without fate, you ultimately live according to it.
She knows Theodore’s fateful end.
“Theodore’s timidity is innate, so for now, there is virtually no possibility of him psychologically overwhelming a ferocious summon, and his magical level is so low that there is no way for him to defeat it. Even though he has escaped fate like this, he does not live a life that defies fate itself like you do. Through this, I will give you my first piece of advice───”“Sit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Theodore’s booming voice echoed across the entire stage.All eyes turned to him.Meia opened her eyes wide.
Theodore took another deep breath and poured out his determination.
“Sit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
His voice trembled, but the look in his eyes as he glared at Wolfred was still alive. He clearly felt fear, but the more he felt it, the more veins bulged in his eyes.
Is it because the magical world is watching?Is it because a revered transcendent being is watching?Is it because there are professors and teaching assistants who have placed their hopes on him? Is it because there are parents who have traveled a long distance to see their child?
I had to overcome my frailty.At least for now.
Compared to the heavy pressure I felt at the captain’s coronation, this was nothing.
thud!
Theodore bumped his forehead against those teeth, which were glistening with saliva.
Wolfred.
The nape of the neck was completely exposed.As if daring them to ask if they dared.
Sit down.
[… … .]
At Theodore’s sudden action, Wolfred let out a low cry. Then, hiding his teeth, he lowered his waist.
Lie down.
Wolfred lay face down.
Roll.
Wolfred growled softly and rolled to the side. It was the moment he stood up at the command to get back up.
“Wolfred, bark!”
[Kaaaaaaa!]
The Roar Wolf’s distinctive roar struck the empty air. The aftermath of the shockwave spread in all directions, relieving the chaotic atmosphere.
I gained confidence.I took the initiative.
Theodore looked at the audience with the mindset of throwing himself off a cliff, thinking, “Oh well, whatever.”
I apologize. I will resume the presentation.
And so the explanation of the summoning magic began.
It was simplified to be easier to understand than what had been explained to Verden last time, andalthough it differed somewhat from what Theodor himself had prepared, the presentation was even more captivating, perhaps thanks to his previous performance. The wizards listened intently, as if entranced by the words of the much younger wizard.
Alpha cast a glance to the side.
[First piece of advice. Well.]
“…….”
Meia was speechless for a moment, then let out a sigh and regained her composure.
“The first piece of advice is ‘disorder.’ Just because one is freed from fate does not mean that every being lives a life completely different from it, and even if life has changed, it cannot be said to be better than fate. You, who have ruined your fate, need to think a little more deeply about its meaning.”
She stood up quietly.
“The second piece of advice is ‘reality.’ A chaotic, primeval world has arrived, so do not easily prejudge anything. Always bear in mind that assuming the worst is fundamentally different from actually facing the worst.”
At this, Verden nodded briefly.
“If it is sincere advice, I will take it to heart.”“Please seek other advice from the Provider. Well then,I’m leaving.” “Is he just leaving like that?”
Meia walked away without hesitation, as if she had finished her business entirely.
Verden said.
“I have a question.”“I have no intention of answering.”“Gamma, the fourth artificial golem; the identity of the man within the power source of the Lefragium Magic Tower; the Apostles of Destiny; the purpose of the power sources of the Ten Great Magic Towers—”
Meia turned around.
“Don’t expect to get information from my reaction.”“…….”“A cunning man.”
Meia wore a displeased expression and continued on her way.Isabella, watching her retreating figure, gulped down the wine Meia had only tasted in one go and returned the exact words Meia had just said.
“An unlucky woman.”
Naturally, it reached Meia’s ears as well.
Like man, like woman.
The sudden visit of the second-in-command of the Lefragium Magic Tower ended like that. Before long, the night of the early part of the Magic Festival came to a close.
“It was the summoning magic of Theodore, the genius wizard of the Academy!”
As soon as Feldianne finished speaking, hundreds of people erupted in applause. It was the moment Theorod made a name for himself in the magical world.
Summoning magic announcement, a huge success.
* * *
“Wow, that’s great! You did a great job!!”“That was amazing!”
Professor Dale put his arms around Theodore’s waist and lifted him up high.Iris also spared no praise.
“What was that again! You suddenly yelled at me to sit down! I thought you’d gone crazy for a moment! When did you even plan that?”“Ahahaha…… I just… I thought there needed to be something impressive…….”
Theodore rolled his eyes and brushed it off with a lame explanation. Fortunately, Professor Dale and Iris didn’t have the energy to worry about trivial matters.
What on earth was it?
Wolfred had spiraled out of control. He even tried to kill Theodore. Considering the principles of summoning magic, it was absurd. Although Imiraculously managed to pull myself together and bring the situation under control… it was such an unexpected turn of events that my mind was still blank.
I’ll have to ask Lord Verden later.
Why Wolfred did that.
and.
Why was the dispenser’s magic circle engraved on the inside of my right wrist the moment I felt I had snatched the initiative from Wolfred?And what is this sensation of being inwardly connected to Wolfred?
For Theodore, Verden was the only person who could resolve his unknown. Of course, he could get the answer a little later. After all,now was the time to rejoice.
Everything will be fine now, right?
The announcement of the summoning magic, which had been postponed again and again due to unavoidable circumstances and caused extreme stress, has been successfully concluded. Now thata major worry has disappeared, I suppose I can enjoy a carefree day for a while.
Theodore had no doubt that everything would get better starting today.
* * *
The Magic Festival has entered its middle phase.
The second half begins immediately after the performances of the top 10 magic towers of the mid-to-lower ranks are over.The second stage of the second half was a joint announcement by the Arkenad Magic Kingdom and Eon.
“Eon must have prepared a trump card as well.”
Vangelis Ruin Akenard gave a spirited laugh. In front of him lay a rather large structure covered in cloth.
“But whatever it is, I am no less capable than him, Verden.”
The 7th Demon King was fully prepared.
and.
“It’s really right around the corner now.”“Yeah.”
[huh.]
[That is correct.]
Junia, Cain, Alpha, and Beta gleamed with their blue eyes and single blue eyes.Each of them was a representative of Eon.
Yunia smiled triumphantly.
“Let’s show everyone who the real star of this Magic Festival is.”
* * *
Meanwhile, the city of Zantra.
“Ughhhhhh…….”
A large man staggered, then soon lost his balance and collapsed to the floor.The entire tavern was filled with cheers.
“Hahahaha! Weak! Truly weak!”
thud!
The dwarf wiped his beard as he set down the empty oak barrel as if tossing it down.
“Is there no next opponent?!”
The worst dwarf on earth was winning every single drinking contest against humans.
