Chapter 26 – Nothing Can Be Achieved Through Anger
—
#1
A commotion arose.
With the Phoenix Mage Corps and Algeras Knights involved, failure was never even considered from the start.
Because it was simply unthinkable for those two groups to fail in their mission.
However, the fact that they brought back the Grand Duke’s symbolic cloak and Gaudi’s flag changed the story.
In this world, giving someone a flag symbolized granting them infinite trust.
Likewise, giving someone your most cherished possession meant: [If you dare harm this person, I’ll kill you.]
How on earth did that little child gain the Grand Duke’s infinite trust and affection?
“Uh, Mother.”
“Stay still.”
“…….”
A chilling frost began to swirl around Medeia.
The mana was responding to her emotions.
Everyone instinctively took a step back from Medeia.
There was no use in speaking to her now—she wouldn’t hear anything.
‘How dare that insolent defect….’
The sight of Lawrence standing confidently was so infuriating that Medeia clenched her fist until it nearly shattered.
She was gripped by an overwhelming urge to freeze his limbs and tear them all off on the spot.
But that was just her feelings.
If she carelessly touched Lawrence, who now carried the Grand Duke’s backing, there was no telling what consequences would follow.
The camaraderie of knightly families went beyond politics; it was a matter of loyalty.
And there was another thing bothering her.
‘Why is that wench still alive?! How on earth do they handle these matters?!’
She had taken every precaution, sparing no effort to ensure her plan was flawless.
If Loria were eliminated, the situation would be cleaner, but somehow, she had survived.
Why had the Algeras Knights turned into undead?
She had only hired the dark wizard; Algeras was unrelated…
Her mind felt as though it might burst from the spiraling thoughts.
Meanwhile, Montemer’s closing ceremony continued uninterrupted.
The reason all participants were gathered here was to conduct a merit evaluation and distribute rewards.
It was both a form of recognition from Montemer and a demonstration of the potential benefits of associating with them in the future.
The secret texts, records, jewels, and wealth Montemer had amassed over time…
Even obtaining just one of these would be more than worth the effort.
Edward handed over a document to Nikolai, his close aide.
The document contained a list of names deemed worthy of appropriate rewards as decided by the family head.
Nikolai opened the document slowly and began reading it aloud.
‘During the last subjugation battle, the Usher family received a magical book containing 4th Circle techniques.’
For mages, a magical book was an immensely valuable treasure.
It detailed how to accumulate mana and explained in detail what was required to reach the next circle.
Moreover, it included spells suitable for each circle—that was the essence of a magical book.
“Phew…”
“This is nerve-wracking.”
“I wonder who will receive what this time?”
“The grand prize is already…”
All eyes turned to Lawrence.
The one who had achieved what no one else could—the acknowledgment of the Grand Duke of the North.
The one who had annihilated the undead Algeras Knights and saved Loria.
He was also credited with several other feats.
“This is absurd.”
“How could that defect…”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but the moment Edward stepped forward, the surroundings fell silent.
As the supreme Archmage declared his verdict, the person who had achieved the greatest merit in this subjugation battle became clear.
“Lawrence Montemer.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I acknowledge you as the one who accomplished the most in this subjugation battle. State your wish. If it is within my power, I shall grant it.”
“I wish…”
Lawrence had deliberated over this moment.
What should he request?
With knowledge of the future and his unique abilities, he pondered his choices for days and nights.
In the end, his conclusion was clear.
To endlessly improve and create new artifacts.
‘To achieve that, I must go there.’
“I wish to enter Vigo.”
At Lawrence’s words, Nikolai read Edward’s intentions and spoke on his behalf.
Serving as a kind of translator, Nikolai asked:
“Vigo… What do you seek there?”
“Trinkets.”
“…….”
The absurdity of his response left even Edward momentarily speechless.
As for the crowd, their reactions were even more bewildered.
No one could understand what Lawrence intended to achieve with such a request.
Receiving Edward’s inquisitive gaze, Lawrence clarified.
“Although these things may appear useless to the world, I wish to find something valuable for myself, my lord.”
“Granted.”
A faint smile appeared on Lawrence’s face.
Turning his gaze, he looked at Medeia.
Seeing her eyes burning with rage, he felt he understood.
Her vision would grow clouded, her decisions more impulsive.
Consumed by anger, she would fail to see the bigger picture and fall victim to short-sighted decisions.
Lawrence’s Dragon power assessed as much.
‘I’ll watch as you crumble.’
When your children collapse, and everything you’ve built turns to ruin.
In that moment, Lawrence planned to stand before her with a light laugh.
At least while he remained in the Magic Tower, even Medeia would struggle to touch him.
Within that place, he would complete every plan needed to destroy her.
Nikolai, having received Edward’s message, spoke again.
His resounding voice filled the grand training hall.
“Loria Montemer, Freya of the Phoenix Mage Corps, and her subordinates will also be rewarded appropriately.”
“Thank you-!”
“A list of rewards will be provided, so deliberate carefully before making your choice. That is all.”
Nikolai bowed and quietly stepped back.
As he brushed past Medeia, who was still seething with fury, he whispered softly.
“Compose yourself. Everyone is watching.”
“…….”
Hooo…
The mana she had barely suppressed calmed down.
It was truly her turn now, and it was a time when she needed to suppress her anger completely.
She stepped forward, holding the document she had prepared.
She bowed, giving Edward a greeting, her gaze just slightly sharper than before.
However, the head of Montemer showed no change in expression as he silently observed her.
‘Ugh…’
Whenever she met those eyes, she felt her body stiffen involuntarily.
Always.
Medeia bit her lips tightly, to the point where they made a sound, before lifting her head again.
It was time to announce the next event.
“Thank you all for your hard work. Next week, there will be a selection for entering the Magic Tower. Please take this time to fully recover from your accumulated fatigue and prepare to welcome the new year.”
Magic Tower Entrance Selection.
In other words, it was the time to evaluate and identify who possessed talent in which branch of magic.
In his previous life, Lawrence hadn’t even been called to this selection.
He had merely spent his days in the trash storage, clinging to ineffective magic.
‘This time will be different.’
With the authority and artifacts he had now, his destiny would surely change.
As Medeia rattled on with explanations, Lawrence was lost in thought.
Which Magic Tower would best maximize his abilities?
‘If possible, I’d prefer a place no one cares about.’
In his past life, Lawrence hadn’t been well-informed about the Magic Towers or the mages within them.
He only vaguely remembered the rumors whispered by the assassin uncle and the researchers.
<Now that I think about it, wasn’t the master of the Iron Magic Tower assassinated?>
<They said it was because they discovered something valuable. But since Venoman wasn’t involved, I’m not sure about the details.>
The assassin uncle’s words resurfaced at just the right moment.
The Iron Magic Tower…
If he went there, he could steadily build his strength.
Why?
‘They’re mages, yet they live obsessed with muscles and meat, don’t they?’
Somehow, it felt like his soul was drawn to that place.
#2
Vigo.
A place that could be described as the culmination of Montemer’s essence.
Under normal circumstances, someone else would have been the one to enter.
Lawrence could feel the mixed gazes of envy, jealousy, and shock from his siblings.
<You’re lucky, Lawrence. Congratulations.>
<Yeah. I don’t know how you managed it, but congratulations.>
His eldest brother and sister, who were much older than him, said that and left.
But the others hurled curses at him.
If there had been no onlookers, they would have surely tried to harm him.
“This is the place. You have a time limit of three hours, and you can take only one item with you.”
“Understood.”
There were no new [Artifacts] in this world.
In other words, magical items had either disappeared entirely or were stored in the deepest, most secretive places of each family.
Even wizard staffs barely provided minor assistance using the natural properties of the materials.
Most mages didn’t even possess a staff.
‘It seems there are no artifacts here. Well, even useless artifacts fetch millions of gold.’
If there had been artifacts, the system would have informed him by now.
Otherwise, they would have been sold to supplement the family’s finances.
Lawrence slowly turned his head, taking in the surroundings of Vigo.
It was a place filled with books rather than exceptional items.
Creak.
The deliberately creaky door opened.
The sound of the hinges echoed eerily down the hallway.
“Begin now.”
“Yes.”
Three hours.
That was the time Lawrence had to search for treasure.
During that time, his goal was to find an outstanding medium.
Thud.
The door closed again.
The musty scent of old books stung his nose.
It mixed with the faint aroma of fragrance used to maintain the books, creating a peculiar smell.
Even if he tried to take more than one item, it would be a futile attempt.
The caretaker of Vigo knew even the tiniest speck of dust in the room.
As Lawrence began to slowly explore the interior of Vigo, something occurred.
[We sense a recommendable medium in this place.]
“Hah, I knew it.”
[Marking its location.]
What kind of energy was it reacting to this time?
With a pounding heart, Lawrence moved forward.
Even amidst the endless stacks of books, there were some that seemed useful.
[Medium: 6th Circle Magic]
[Medium: 8th Circle Magic]
[Medium: 5th Circle Body Enhancement Engraving]
[…]
Rather than just being useful, it felt like a treasure trove he needed to revisit often.
What about the extracts?
[Manifestation – Elemental Strike]
[Manifestation – Water Ray]
[Manifestation – Meteor Strike]
[…]
Spells that made his mouth water.
He imagined himself unleashing such magic without the need for lengthy chants.
The clearer his goals became, the more he anticipated what he might gain now.
And then, an extract that brought a smile to his face appeared before him.
[The Long-Forgotten Spirit Magic Book]
[Engraving: Mental Counter]
[Grade: ??]
[Mental Counter: The spirit’s mind remains unshaken.]
[Reflects or nullifies all mental attacks.]
[Depending on the opponent’s resistance, the reflected magic may not be effective.]
[Creating this artifact will result in additional growth of the Dragon Body.]
“Mental immunity is too good to pass up.”
It was an extract that offered perfect immunity against mental attacks.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment