* * *
“More than that, I’m more curious about that man’s identity. I can’t gauge his level, but… judging by his presence and atmosphere, he’s at least the 7th Circle… an Elder level.”
Elder.
At those words, Anakin clenched his fists.
A head of a school and a master to countless disciples. One of the powerhouses leading the continent.
Why had such a giant come here? Just what was that object for him to show up…
“Looking at that winged pattern on his robe, he seems to be an Elder of the Latus School… but I can’t be certain.”
If it was Latus, wasn’t that the school that had a poor relationship with Pasadian?
Furthermore, his goal remained unknown.
Anakin prayed that they could at least get out of this situation alive.
“Why is Renatus here?”
“…Ugh. I only did as I was told… I know nothing.”
The middle-aged man, Oswald Berheim.
An Elder of the Latus School and a high-ranking member of the Magic Tower, he lightly grabbed Katharina by the neck and lifted her up.
Her slumped body looked like a corpse.
Even though not much time had passed since he appeared, her muscle tissues had been devastated to the point where she couldn’t move a single finger.
“Why is Renatus trying to ruin His work? I cannot understand it.”
As Oswald narrowed his eyes, Katharina stared at him with a hollow face and spoke.
“We just… wanted to reach Him…”
Hearing this, Oswald grew furious and shouted at her.
“A piece of trash like you doesn’t know its place!”
Gripping her neck as if he might crush it at any moment, Oswald suppressed his anger and spoke.
“It is blasphemous for insects like you to even utter those words.”
Katharina’s pupils shook at his cold words, but even while feeling like her breath was being cut off, she forced the corners of her mouth up.
Even with her facial muscles stiffened, the sight of her trying to laugh was grotesque to those watching.
“Don’t you wonder how many of your disciples died at the hands of such an insect?”
Oswald’s face distorted boundlessly at those words.
“How dare you…”
Now that death was truly before her eyes, Katharina closed her bloodshot eyes.
It didn’t seem like this Elder would let her live anyway.
Because of that, she didn’t want to go out acting pathetic until the end.
She had struggled under them her whole life; why should her end be the same?
“Cough…”
Her mind began to turn white and a burning pain bloomed in her chest.
Her vision blurred as her throat tightened further.
Damn it.
Of all things, to run into an Elder and die.
The man who came with those noble brats would live thanks to the Elder’s luck.
Was all her hard work until now just for this kind of ending?
Did the people who pushed her here predict this result?
It was miserable and sorrowful.
Still, Katharina considered it a bit of a relief to die by the hand of such a great figure.
There was a time when she, too, admired Elders just like those children watching with shining eyes.
Elders were all like monsters, and unless you belonged to a school, it was difficult to even see their faces once.
That was why she used to smile as if she owned the world at just a single glance from them…
She truly never dreamed she would die by such a person.
“I will not ask for your name.”
A transparent liquid flowed down Katharina’s cheek.
The sensation in her hands and feet had long since vanished.
I struggled my whole life to be recognized, but in the end, I won’t even get that in death.
Ah… what a vain life.
As Katharina’s tear hit the ground, her arms and legs went limp.
Watching with an expressionless face, Oswald confirmed her breath had stopped and set her down.
He then turned around and looked at the children who were watching the scene tensely.
Looking at them, Oswald spoke.
“It seems you aren’t in a state to deliver the item.”
Oswald clicked his tongue as he saw Anakin and Hilde bleeding and supporting each other.
“Let’s go to the mansion first.”
The mansion?
At those words, the two children opened their eyes wide and looked at the Elder.
Could he mean the Elder’s mansion…?
Confused by the sudden situation, the children stepped back as Oswald began to cast magic.
Then, Anakin hurriedly looked toward Gilbert and spoke.
“W-wait a moment. We have a companion over there.”
At those words, the Elder shifted his gaze to where Anakin pointed.
There lay Gilbert, who was near death, creating a pool of blood on the ground.
Seeing this, the Elder nodded and spoke.
“We shall take him as well.”
With those words, their vision went dark again.
A darkness where nothing could be seen.
As they followed that path, a faint light began to appear.
Was it the Elder’s unique ability?
Anakin took a cautious step forward.
Mikhail had mentioned before that once one reaches the level of an Elder, they possess a unique ability.
Seeing him now, Mikhail, the Elder of Delphine whom he had stayed with, seemed quite impressive.
As the tip of Anakin’s foot touched the light, his body was slowly sucked into it.
A cozy and warm feeling.
It was different from the fear he felt when losing his sight in the darkness.
Taking a step with closed eyes, he felt the dimension wavering slightly.
“Ugh…”
He felt carsick, but it was bearable.
Before long, a sense of stability returned, and Anakin slowly opened his eyes.
“This place is…”
White wallpaper and magical items floating in the air.
The interior of a magnificent building and a chandelier as huge as an entire room.
“We have guests. See to it that they receive treatment first.”
They were inside a luxurious mansion. Under Oswald’s direction, the servants moved briskly.
“Where are we?”
“This is the mansion where I am personally staying. It is also the headquarters of the Latus School.”
“…”
Hilde also widened her eyes at the sight she was seeing for the first time.
“I didn’t expect to bring disciples of Pasadian here, but…”
He shrugged his shoulders as if he had no choice.
“How do you know we are disciples of Pasadian?”
At Hilde’s sharp question, Oswald spoke.
“Ah, my introduction is late. I am Oswald Berheim, an Elder of the Latus School.”
Oswald Berheim. A great and noble aristocrat and a pivotal Elder of the Latus School.
He was renowned for being particularly powerful even among Elders, and most noble children applied to join the school out of admiration for his dignity and outstanding magical skills.
He was the very definition of a clean and strong noble Elder.
“The client told me. He said he left a job to a certain mercenary, but some kids ended up taking the request. When I inquired about two noble brats who passed the Pasadian exam, it was easy to identify you.”
“…What is your relationship with the client?”
“You must have many questions, but get treated first. Hey, isn’t there an idle fellow over there? Tell him to treat the guests.”
As Oswald instructed the servant, the servant nodded immediately and spoke to Anakin and Hilde.
“Yes. I understand. Guests, please come this way.”
Oswald turned around but then spoke to the children again as if he had just remembered.
“I am keeping the requested item, so come find me once your treatment is finished.”
Hilde and Anakin exchanged a glance and nodded.
They then followed the servant who was guiding them.
They didn’t know what was going on and were full of questions, but since Hilde and Gilbert were bleeding heavily, it seemed they needed to get treated first.
I don’t know why an Elder of the Latus School is being kind to us, but…
As Anakin was lost in thought, the servant who was leading them spoke.
“For your information, Mr. Gilbert, who arrived ahead of you, is unconscious and is being treated separately.”
Anakin’s face filled with pity at the servant’s words.
“Mr. Gilbert…”
Noticing Anakin’s concern, the servant spoke in a kind tone.
“They say his life is not in danger, so please rest assured.”
That was a relief. He had been badly hurt as well.
The servant and the children went up the stairs.
It was larger than most noble mansions, so just walking took a long time.
After walking for a while even after climbing the stairs, the servant stopped in front of a room in a corner.
He then gave two polite knocks.
Knock, knock.
However, there was no sign of life from inside.
“It is urgent business. The guests are badly injured.”
“…”
“The Elder said… if you don’t want to be kicked out, earn your keep…”
When there was still no sound, the servant sighed deeply and grabbed the doorknob.
Just then, the door swung open, and a man with messy green hair, looking as if he had just woken up, appeared scratching his head.
“Oh? It’s true. And they’re children. Come in quickly.”
He personally opened the door and guided them into the room.
* * *
