King of Dungeons (2)
?During the Krestol Festival, outsiders are permitted to enter Aken Island and Haksa.
However, there is no way that many people would come to Aken Island, located in the southwest corner of the empire, to see the bachelor’s festival. Most of the people of the empire are busy making a living, so they just enjoy the festival period in their own residences.
In addition, this is a time when the entire Cloel Empire falls into the joy of festivals, but of course the excitement varies depending on the region.
A rural area like Pulan, where Jenica is from, is so remote that the festival heat does not reach it properly, and Saint Clarice’s castle town is a place where a solemn atmosphere is maintained all year round, so it is not that noisy.
Still, as this Sylvania Academy, where young people in their prime gather, is a place where a grand festival is held, those who feel like they have some time to spare among the people of the empire near Margrave Zahur tend to gather there.
Living in Sylvania every day, I got used to it and it doesn’t really feel like it, but at least in the southern part of the Cloel Empire, there is no landmark like this school. If you can’t afford to go to the distant ecliptic in person, it’s not a bad idea to enjoy the festive atmosphere at Sylvania Academy.
Of course, all of this is only for those who can afford to enjoy the festival.
Therefore, most of the visitors are rich people, nobles, or families who sent students to Sylvania Academy.
“Thank you for visiting Sylvania. Visitor accommodation is located in the Deck Hall, so you can leave your luggage there. For detailed instructions, please contact Mr. Melik, the dormitory manager. If you head to the DEX building outside the teacher building, facing the living building, there will be an information board.”
“Wow, go… Thank you.”
Orte Palover came down to the dock and accepted his wife, Saila, who came down behind him.
Ranch work requires no rest even for a day. The couple’s daughter, Yenika Palover, would never have imagined that this couple would have come all the way to Aken Island.
If the loving villagers of Toren Village had not helped the couple maintain their ranch while they were away, the couple would not have been able to travel all the way to Aken Island.
It was the festival season, so outsiders were allowed to enter, and I also wanted to check the facts about the mind-blowing letters that had been coming to the ranch recently.
If Yenica Palover really rose to the rank of Baron and became a nobleman, as a parent, I had no choice but to meet her and confirm it in person.
It’s the perfect time to go to Aken Island… With great determination, he ran all the way to Aken Island.
“that… Where can I go to Ofilis Hall? that… student… ? Are you a student?”
“You can call me at your convenience. My name is Siggs Eiffelstein, and I am a senior member of the student council. “Currently, I am in charge of guiding external visitors at the dock, but you will be able to receive various guidance if you visit the Student Council Action Committee members other than myself while walking around the campus.”
Ziggs, who was standing near the dock and checking various documents, turned his head when he saw the Palover couple and pointed toward the inside of the academy.
“You can find all the facilities if you go to the faculty building or the living building… Entry to the Ofilis Hall by outsiders is strictly prohibited. This is because it is a place frequented by VIPs and has a strong exclusive atmosphere. Do you have any business at Ofilis Hall?”
“Umm… My daughter lives there… ”
Jenica Palover did not tell her family that she had been kicked out of Ofilis House and was living in a cabin in the forest. Because she didn’t want to cause unnecessary worry.
The Palover couple, who knew that Yenika was still living at the Ofilis Building, wanted to head there to meet Yenika.
“Hmm… Currently, I am living in the Lorail building due to circumstances, but I used to live in the Ofilis building for a long time. “If you tell me your child’s name, I will contact Ofilis Hall.”
“Oh, oh… It’s called the Yenica Failover… He’s a good kid, and he’s famous for being the top student in his grade several times… As for me… I was saying… ”
“… “You mean Senior Yenika?”
Ziggs, who was scribbling down words, paused for a moment.
“Hmm… They’re pretty close. “It’s a coincidence.”
“Oh, you know our Yenika?”
“yes. You are a good person. “I was involved in many different incidents.”
At that moment, Orte’s eyes, who were looking at Ziggs, began to shine.
Ziggs, who looks dependable and neat at first glance, seems like the best son-in-law for the two people who have lived in the countryside for a long time.
In the first place, they are a couple that needs someone special to work with, no matter who it is. As much as she is thirsty for a son-in-law, the corners of her eyes go up when she sees a man who is close to Yenika.
Ortega spoke with a gleam in his eyes as he quickly grabbed both of Ziggs’ hands.
“Is the student very close with Yenika…? ?!”
“… yes?”
“Our Yenika is very kind and okay, right?! What was it like to become friends? ?!”
Ziggs looked at Orte with puzzled eyes.
“Ah, suddenly…? ?”
“Why, isn’t our Yenika the kind of person who gets pushed around?!”
“I am grateful that you are kind to me, but I have someone else that I can call my lover. “To begin with, I can’t even be seen by Senior Yenika.”
“I-I see… ? Is Jenica in a position to choose a man in this school? !”
“It feels very strange to express it that way, but there are definitely a lot of people who look up to senior Yenika. Her personality is good, her skills are outstanding, and her appearance is so beautiful that many juniors talk about her… ”
Ziggs was thinking about adding more to the story, but he closed his mouth.
Talking more about Yenika’s personal relationships was likely just nonsense. I don’t know how much Jenica talks about her bachelor life in her family.
Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed like he was hiding the fact that he had been kicked out of Ofilis Hall, so it seemed like Yenika would be in trouble if Ziggs spoke up for no reason.
“is it… Our Yenika… ! Hehe… Huhuhuhuhuhu… ”
Looking at Orte’s satisfied expression, I decided it would be best to stop at this point. There is no parent who doesn’t like complimenting their daughter, so it’s right to tell her just enough to make her feel good and leave the rest to Yenika herself.
Ziggs felt vaguely nostalgic as he looked at Ortega and Sayla.
The fact that Jenica is currently living in a wild camp after leaving Ofilis Hall, the fact that she is always in trouble because she cannot give up her commoner nature despite receiving a title, and the fact that she is living a life that is almost like living with a grown man. I was afraid of what their reaction would be if they found out.
I thought this was a situation where I had to meet Yenika first and tell her, but there’s no way to know where Yenika is right now, and since it’s already the festival season, a lot of work is behind me.
“I already wanted to ask if Yenika was doing well at school and what all the news was coming these days… As soon as she comes to school, she feels good because she meets Jenica’s friend… !”
“Speaking of news, do you mean that you recently received the title of baron and fiefdom?”
“okay… ! I’ve lived my whole life milking cows, but suddenly I’m an old man from an aristocratic family… You have to get used to this. From what I heard, the master of Duke Rosstaylor’s family has used his power, and since I am entering the position of their vassal, I should meet him and say hello!”
“that… Is that so… ”
“I don’t know if you’ll like it or not, but I slaughtered the highest quality cows at the ranch and packaged them at the most expensive price… ”
“I am a master of the Rosstaylor family, but I am not sure if you will like this gift. honey… ”
“I told you there’s no one who doesn’t like food, Sayla! Anyway, from our perspective, he is like a benefactor, so we should be as polite as possible! “We gave these lowly commoners titles and territory and allowed them to live happily ever after!”
Orte laughed heartily while pressing Sayla’s shoulder with his muscular body.
“I would like to take the time to meet with the master of the Rosstaylor family, and I also want to meet Yenika… Where do you think it would be the fastest time to go, student?”
For both, go to the cabin camp in the northern forest.
I can’t bear to say that… Ziggs froze, breaking into a cold sweat.
“Right now… I am… I do not know… Haha.. Hahahaha..”
*The grand opening ceremony held at the Student Plaza has also come to an end.
It was a sight to see the faculty and staff coming out of the academic headquarters and using magic to control the student plaza.
If you include visitors from outside and internal students, the number is so huge that you can’t even guess it with your own eyes. Considering that everything is under control with less than a hundred people on site, the power of magic can only be said to be truly amazing.
When Tanya, the student council president, came out and gave a speech, cheers erupted, and when Vice-Principal Rachel, who replaced Principal Obel Forcius, finished her speech, fireworks erupted.
The buildings in the Gyosu building, which were decorated with various decorations, had a very different atmosphere from usual. As it was this time of year, people’s stalls lined up along the street in Gyosu-dong, where people came to do business, and people were excited to see the interior of Sylvania, which is not normally open to the public.
On the stages spread out here and there around the university centering on the student plaza, a number of performances by external artists and orchestras invited by the university were scheduled, and there were also plenty of academic presentations organized by students, small magic stages, and various martial arts competitions and contests. there was.
Looking at the festival notice distributed by the academic department, the text was so dense that I wondered if anyone would read it and come visit. There were so many things to enjoy.
However, not all places are intoxicated with festival fever.
A prayer meeting presided over by Saint Clarice is scheduled for the Bachelor’s Cathedral section. I wonder if there were any outsiders who would want to come to a place like this and hold a prayer meeting, but it seemed like a great honor for the believers to be able to see Saint Clarice in person.
Clarisse seemed to be completely distracted just by holding a prayer meeting with the believers. Being in a position of reverence is, of course, difficult.
“What are you going to do about Ed..? The duel is the day after tomorrow. Until then, are you still managing the camp?”
Among the scattered crowds in the student square, Jenica approached with a grin.
Since they were sorted by grade, they must have been standing quite close together.
It goes without saying, but just because it is a festival day with a high school atmosphere does not mean that the camp will remain in good condition. The problems I face are not being solved, and the time I can train myself is not passing slowly.
Yenica also knows this well, so she is asking implicitly. Just because it was a festival, it didn’t seem like people would go out and have fun.
“I’m going to get some rest. “Still, you have to do the basic things.”
“okay… ? I heard that my juniors were holding an academic presentation at the Spiritual Society, so I decided to attend there and then look around the stalls in the afternoon… !”
Yenica hesitated and glanced around, then came closer and spoke in a whisper.
“Then, would you like to hang out together late in the afternoon…” ?”
“It’s good. Because I also belong to Assistant Professor Claire’s lab. “I have to stop by there sometime.”
It was much more comfortable for me to travel with Jenica than to travel alone, so I gladly answered yes.
During the morning, I go back to the camp and finish the work I have to do in advance, stop by the Trix building around noon to meet with Assistant Professor Claire, and then go around the street stalls with Yenika in the late afternoon and buy something for dinner.
“I’m glad. “I was worried because you’ve been so busy these days, and Ed seemed more impatient the past few days.”
“You look impatient?”
“huh… It’s also like the fact that I’ve been training too hard for a while now… Same with the story about Belbroke that I told you last time… Ed seems to get more and more impatient as time goes by… “So I’m worried.”
I shared all the basics with Yenika, but there was still something left to say.
that… This is a story I shared with Ayla at the bonfire before the festival began.
It was inevitable for me to become this impatient ahead of the festival.
“Yenika. “I want to sit next to you for a moment.”
When I suddenly said that, Yenika tilted her head and came next to me.
*The schedule scheduled by the imperial family has come to an end, and it is time to travel around the country with Emperor Cloel.
This is because it was a custom to tour large facilities throughout the empire during the Crestol Grand Festival. It also implied that the emperor would go out for inspection in person once every four years, so it was a time when all agencies directly under the imperial family had to be alert.
Princess Selaha was walking down the hallway of the luxurious Rose Palace of the Cloel Imperial Family.
It is time to move slowly. The experience of personally traveling with Emperor Cloel for a long period of time and inspecting the institutions directly under the imperial family is an opportunity to score big points in the competition for imperial power.
Princess Fenia was attending Sylvania, so circumstances were not available, and Princess Persica asked to remain in the imperial family for some reason.
I couldn’t understand Persica’s intention in letting such a precious opportunity pass away by remaining in the imperial family… Selah Hwangnyeon, who was busy with so many things at hand, couldn’t bear to pay attention.
As I was walking along with my servants across the corridor, Persica appeared at the end of the corridor, accompanied by her servants.
Perhaps because they were returning from a meal, the number of soldiers guarding Persica was smaller than expected.
“Oh my, you look very busy. Persica.”
“Selaha has become a lot busier lately.”
Although they appeared to be smiling and exchanging pleasantries with each other, the soldiers guarding them swallowed dry saliva.
There really isn’t much time left for the imperial rivalry to end. This is because Emperor Cloel implicitly said that once the festival period ended, this sluggish competition for successor would end.
Therefore, from Selaha’s point of view, it was his political fortune to accompany him on this inspection. This was because it was a golden opportunity for him to tour the country together and show his worth as an emperor.
“You said you were going to Sylvania this time, right? You might be able to meet Fenia. “Please say hello when you see me.”
“of course. “We are sisters who share the same blood, so I’m happy to be able to check on their well-being.”
“You’ve become very shameless, sister.”
“It’s a necessary skill.”
A strange current flows between the sisters as they exchange words while smiling.
Fenia was proudly hostile to Selaha, and Persica also did not want to maintain a very friendly relationship with Selaha.
If Fenia distanced itself from Selaha due to differences of opinion, Persica simply distanced itself from Selaha because its power was too strong.
This is because he had no intention of getting close to Princess Selaha, who is currently known to be closest to the imperial throne.
“This time Fenia… I need to completely ‘clean up’… “They help me in many ways so that I can focus on my studies and not on political matters.”
Selaha spoke with a smile. In Persica’s eyes, Selaha looked like a lion who had become debauched by her own power.
“well. It is unclear whether Fenia will be sorted out so easily. There are so many people nearby… “There are a lot of picky people.”
“You mean Ed Ross Taylor?”
“Oh my, I see you were thinking about your sister too.”
“well… How can we talk about the emperor’s worth if we can’t take control of the slowly declining Ross Taylor family? “I think we need to use this opportunity to really break his nose.”
A family’s prestige is not simply determined by its title.
Especially in places like Sylvania Academy where the virtue of learning is emphasized, skills are the top priority.
This is a place where rules are somewhat different from those of the Cloel Imperial House.
“I have to show it to my mom. “It’s amazing how different the people who follow me are.”
“… ”
– ‘Princess Selaha has high expectations for this duel.’
Dyke frowned upon seeing the letter sent from the head of the Elphelan family.
– ‘He is like a benefactor who was the first to help the Elphelan family whenever it stumbled. In particular, we must never show that we are inferior in skill to the Ross Taylor family, who have completely split up in terms of their power structure.’
The bachelor’s combat class observation room where the festival atmosphere is in full swing.
Dyke, who was leading the student council and observing the festival atmosphere, took a deep breath after receiving the letter that the post office had urgently delivered.
When I close my eyes, the back of a man comes to mind.
He is the prince of the Rosstaylor family who grew up at an unbelievable rate and quickly became the top student in the 3rd year Magic Department.
From what I have seen while working as an undergraduate student, he is very talented and has a great personality. He is a man who has lived a healthy life while remaining faithful to his duties without showing any special outward appearance.
The size of the bowl he has is so grand that it cannot be compared to Dyke.
– ‘Our Elphelan family also raved about Dyke’s skills. Be sure to win this duel so that all honor can be attributed to the great Princess Selaha. If we can imprint it so clearly, at least our family will have peace in the future.’
– ‘A lot depends on you. Dyke. I am sorry for not acknowledging and underestimating your efforts. However, in this duel where the future of our family depends on it, I hope to achieve success. As the head of the family, I ask you to do so.’
He speaks as if he has high expectations for Dyke, but if he loses badly, he will definitely be held responsible for the failure.
Dyke didn’t help him get to this position, and the fact that he only praises him as a source of pride for his family after everything goes well is not enough to make him feel good even with empty words.
Nevertheless, Dyke folded the letter with a calm and serious expression and put it in his pocket.
“Senior Dyke.”
A junior member of the combat club who was following me looked worried.
“If you lose the duel, will you be kicked out of the family?”
“At least they will be held accountable. “Because they have to have a justification to avoid it.”
“That kind of family… Tell them to fuck themselves. Better now… ”
“Be careful what you say. “Bellun.”
Dyke warned his junior in a serious voice. It was a place that guaranteed him the bare minimum of shelter and living when he couldn’t do anything about it.
Even though it is a rotten place, it is a place that gave half of its name to me. Dyke Elphelan. I lived my whole life with that name.
“Political reasons or family ties are not my consideration in the first place.”
“then… ”
“If you are caught in a duel, you don’t run away. “That’s it.”
Tomorrow, after Princess Selaha comes to Aken Island, there will be a duel the next day.
Dyke smiled bitterly and blended in with the crowd.
*- ‘At first, my senior’s words were so absurd that I had my doubts. But after I cooled off and thought about it, I had that question. There must be a reason why they went through all this trouble to provoke Tailly.’
The day Ayla Tris came to camp, Ayla Tris was wearing a robe and speaking with a stern face.
She was searching through the library as if possessed by something.
Even though the festival period was long over, Ayla stayed in the library as if she had no interest and seemed to be possessed by something.
“Would you like me to bring you a cup of coffee?”
“no… that… Thank you… ”
Her co-worker, Tailley, was worried about Ayla, who was stuck in the library all day, so she came to the lobby once in a while to see her face.
During this festive period when all the bachelors are excited, Ayla is not the type of person who would just stay in the library.
Despite this, Ayla was just browsing through all kinds of old books, sweating profusely. As if he doesn’t care what’s going on outside.
“Are you worried about Ayla?”
Elka came and comforted Tailly, who was looking at Ayla with worried eyes in the library lobby.
Elka Islan, the head librarian, is anyway resident in the student library. It had been a few days since she had been watching Ayla, who stayed in the library every day.
“yes… ? hmm… yes… I’ve had some trouble in the past, but I’ve never seen Ayla wander around looking for something so urgently. I’d be less worried if you at least told me what was going on… ”
“There must be a reason. I think there must be a reason for not telling you. “Ayla is a girl who only thinks about you, Tailley, and worries about you.”
“I am grateful. but… I can’t help but be worried. “Can you tell me a little bit about what book Ayla is looking for?”
Since Elka was in charge of managing the library, she knew that the books Ayla was reading had something in common.
He looked worried for a moment, but then he secretly whispered to Taily.
“Aspect magic. “Records about Seong Chang-ryong that were sealed a long time ago.”
After hearing those words, Tailley’s face also hardened for a moment. It wasn’t that Tailly hadn’t heard anything from Ziggs either.
Seong Chang-ryong Velbroke.
Ziggs Epelstein told Tailley that this was a story that Ed Roth Taylor had told repeatedly to the point of obsession.
“And I’m collecting legends about Great Sage Sylvania. Something… I guess there’s something on my mind… ”
“okay… ”
Tailly sat on a chair in the lobby with a serious expression on her face.
Ayla’s expression in the distance was also the same.
Ayla was deep in thought.
The words she said to Ed at camp were also unbelievable from her perspective.
– ‘As far as I know, Great Sage Sylvania, who has maintained the seal of the Holy Spear Dragon Velbrok, has created the perfect aspect magic to ensure that the seal continues for eternity. No matter how much time passes, it is an eternal law that can suppress Velbroke without changing.’
The look on Ed’s face as they looked at each other across the campfire was still deeply entrenched in Ayla’s memory.
– ‘If the principles of Aspect magic that manipulate time are still in effect, the seal will never be easily broken. ‘It definitely wasn’t the type of seal that would become unstable just because you put a little bit of Belbroke’s molar on it.’
Traditions about Great Sage Sylvania still flow down.
It is rumored that he was a flamboyant and lively academic with pure white hair pulled back.
He is an ideal figure for all wizards who loves this world, admires the history of the continent, and has achieved countless magical advancements.
– ‘If there is a person who can unseal Belbroke… It doesn’t make sense unless you’re the person who implemented that seal.’
Ayla also heard countless legends about Sylvania. Because she was a person she personally admired so much, she collected many stories about her.
Do you understand what you are talking about?
Ed Rothtaylor asked Ayla that day.
Ayla confidently answered Ed’s question.
– ‘If my senior’s prophecy is true… Belbroke’s seal has not weakened over the years.’
– ‘… ‘
– ‘Great Sage Sylvania herself solved it. There’s no other possibility.’
She is a rare great person recorded in history.
Above all, she has already died a long time ago.
There is no way he would do such a thing, and he is not even in the physical condition to do such a thing.
However, Ayla’s expression remained serious as ever.
The next thing that came out of Ayla was… . It was a question accompanied by a subjunctive mood.
– ‘What would you think if Great Sage Sylvania was still alive? simple… It’s an assumption… ‘
*Yenika’s expression became serious.
He looks like he can’t believe what I said. Even Jenica, who said she would believe anything I said, could not accept it all at once.
Final act.
Until just before the defeat of Bellbroke, the existence of Great Sage Sylvania remained only a setting.
As for Velbroke’s resurrection, only vague descriptions remained, as if Velbroke had broken the seal on his own after a long period of time.
In the distant past, he made advancements in magic, made a name for himself as an academic, raised the archmage Glokt Elderbane, and founded this huge academy… The one who penetrates the core of all these scenarios and was at the beginning of all stories.
The name of a person whose name or face is never revealed in political affairs, and who only remains in the background until the end.
If there was someone behind the stage, hidden in the dark, watching the whole story…
The only person worthy of sitting there is the master of aspect magic, ‘Great Sage Sylvania.’
Once that fact became apparent, I couldn’t stay still.
If she was really the one who broke Belbroke’s seal…
All you have to do is find her hiding somewhere in this world and subdue her, and all the planned trials will be completed.
It is still unknown how a person from hundreds of years ago is still alive, why a great man who made progress in the world would do such a thing, and whether Ayla’s words are true.
But if that’s true… The trigger that can end this whole stage is there.
That possibility was engraved in my mind and did not disappear.
There’s something left in this world that I couldn’t confirm.
It’s time to dig into it.
