Chapter 102
Kilbis Vernarte.
Once a name that resonated across the entire continent, it had now faded into near obscurity, remembered by only a few.
There were many epithets associated with Kilbis, but the most famous was undoubtedly “The Tragic Genius.”
A mage with unparalleled talent, once considered the equal of William the Archmage.
In certain aspects, Kilbis was even regarded as surpassing William, particularly in the realm of magical application.
His signature was his ability to utilize entirely unique formulas to cast even common spells in his own way.
But the downfall of Kilbis, who once stood side by side with William on the path to greatness, came suddenly.
Ironically, it was due to his very strength—his “application of magic.”
While conducting research in his laboratory, Kilbis lost control of his mana during an experiment involving a new type of magic.
The ensuing mana eruption.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the price of the accident was devastating.
Failing to receive proper treatment during the critical window, Kilbis lost the ability to utilize mana properly.
The once-anticipated next Archmage plummeted to rock bottom overnight.
Not only was he expelled from the kingdom he served, but the countless people who had once surrounded him also left.
The wealth he had accumulated over the years disappeared in an instant.
But more than anything, Kilbis lost the will to live.
He could no longer use the magic he had loved so dearly.
To Kilbis, it was as if there was no longer a reason to continue living.
And so, years passed, and Kilbis was all but forgotten by the world.
When Kilbis, lifeless and waiting for his end, was at his lowest, a new hope arrived.
It was black magic.
“That power… It resembles the Founder’s abilities.”
The First Elder of the Nameless Organization, Kilbis, returned to a safe haven and began to think calmly.
When the mysterious figure in black appeared during his attempt to clear out weaklings who couldn’t even resist a simple spell.
It was the Black Shadow Corps he had only heard of in rumors.
There were whispers that the Black Shadow Corps had interfered with the Third Elder’s operation in the Crescent Empire, so Kilbis had been looking into them.
A shadowy organization handling various requests of all sizes across the continent.
Among them, the Black Shadow Corps’ leader was particularly renowned for his elusive abilities.
And having encountered those abilities firsthand, Kilbis was utterly shaken.
The Black Shadow Corps’ leader had dispelled his mist with absurd ease.
This alone could be explained.
Though difficult to counter due to its unique structure, his spell was a level of black magic that skilled mages could theoretically dispel.
But the leader’s abilities did not end there.
Without any detectable magical traces, the leader had teleported directly in front of Kilbis and then executed multiple teleportations in succession.
Kilbis, who had never seen anyone wield spatial magic with such speed and precision, was astonished.
“As the rumors said, that person must have been involved with the Third Elder.”
Thinking about the Black Shadow Corps’ leader’s skills made this conclusion inevitable for Kilbis.
He could barely gauge the level of this mage.
It felt like the same insurmountable wall he had sensed when he first met the Founder.
A barrier he could never hope to surpass.
Moreover, reports suggested the leader of the Black Shadow Corps was not even a mage but a swordsman.
A swordsman capable of such swift and precise spatial magic?
“The student has been located.”
Kilbis recalled the words of the Black Shadow Corps’ leader and why he had appeared here in the O’Neill Kingdom.
Could it be that the leader had come to rescue Elaine Sinclair?
Though Kilbis didn’t know their relationship, there was no other explanation for this situation.
After all, Elaine was a student at the Crescent Academy, where the Third Elder had been active.
“It’s all connected.”
Kilbis’ mind raced as he pieced things together.
Though he had yet to face the Black Shadow Corps’ leader at full strength, their brief interaction had made one thing clear.
The leader was no easy opponent.
Thus, it would be wise to prepare an insurance plan, just in case.
Having reached his decision, Kilbis moved swiftly.
Though the situation was unfolding slightly differently than anticipated, it was still largely within his expectations.
“There are variables, but they can be controlled.”
With that thought, Kilbis closed his eyes.
“Prepare for battle!”
***
‘Hmm.’
Though he had expected this outcome, it was still troubling when it came to pass.
With the disappearance of the Nameless mage, the target shifted to him.
Ignoring the fact that they had almost fallen to the Nameless mage’s attacks moments ago, Ordin now brandished his sword at him.
“This isn’t the time for us to be fighting among ourselves.”
“Silence! We O’Neill have not forgotten the humiliation your kind inflicted upon us.”
“…Sigh.”
It was clear that Ordin had no intention of resolving matters through dialogue.
And the many knights behind him felt the same.
Despite the fact that it was he who had dispelled the black mist and saved them moments ago.
“Talking this out isn’t going to work, is it?”
The best-case scenario would have been resolving this with Ordin and going after the Nameless together, but that possibility seemed almost nonexistent.
As expected, Ordin was seething with rage the moment he saw me.
And we didn’t have time to waste like this.
‘If we delay, who knows what might happen to Elaine.’
There was no other choice.
“I don’t have time for this.”
“Protect the tree!”
“Huh?”
“Don’t let him approach! That guy is a master of Spatial Movement. Everyone, stay on guard!”
“Hah.”
Even so, Ordin was sharp.
Not only had he anticipated that I might ignore everything and escape, but he also gave the command to protect the tree.
And Ordin’s prediction was dead-on.
Having overheard his conversation with Amilion, I knew very well what role that tree played.
If I moved through it, the odds of finding Elaine or the Nameless were high.
“Surely there are more pressing matters than me right now.”
“Silence.”
Ordin responded with an irritated and resolute tone.
At this point, there was really no other option.
No matter how I thought about it, the fastest way to follow the Nameless was clear.
Defeat Ordin and use the Warp Portal.
Srrng—
Without a word, I reached into the void with my right hand and pulled out the Black Shadow Blade.
I glanced at Amilion, who seemed utterly lost and flustered.
Expecting her to help seemed futile.
“I don’t have time for this. Let’s end it quickly.”
“You bastard!”
Woong—Ching—
The sound of swords clashing rang out sharply for the first time today.
Even though I had teleported out of his blind spot and swung my blade, Ordin twisted his body and blocked my attack.
Ching—Chaaang—
That marked the beginning of the fight.
Ordin was able to fend off my swift strikes with relative composure.
It was absurd that I was locked in combat with Ordin at a time like this, but I needed to finish this quickly.
I hadn’t wanted to drain Ordin’s strength, but there was no helping it.
As expected, Ordin wasn’t an easy opponent to face with a sword.
I had to give it my all.
A few years ago, when I fought him, I struggled and was often at a disadvantage.
But I was no longer the same person I was back then.
Back then, I had only just begun incorporating Spatial Movement into my swordsmanship.
It was awkward and unpolished, which gave Ordin the upper hand.
But not now.
And now, I could even use Wind Magic.
Ching—Chaang—Ching!
I pressed Ordin with relentless speed and force.
By continuing to attack from his blind spots, I forced him into a purely defensive stance.
Just a little more, and I could corner him.
Just a little more.
Ching—Ching—Chaaang—
‘Damn, he’s holding out.’
Just a little more was proving to be a lot harder.
While Ordin seemed like he might falter, he kept deflecting my strikes and occasionally counterattacked.
And the knights waiting in the rear added pressure.
If I overreached even slightly, one of them would exploit the opening.
I could feel them subtly shifting to encircle me, which was irritating.
‘Damn, this can’t drag on any longer.’
I was at a disadvantage in multi-opponent battles.
Just as that thought crossed my mind—
“Wait!”
Startled, I instinctively paused at the shout.
The familiar voice belonged to Amilion.
Amilion was staring intently at both Ordin and me, her eyes flashing.
“We don’t have time for this, Commander! My student has been captured!”
“…I know that, but there’s no choice. This man is from the Black Shadow Corps. He’s their leader.”
“I know that! But isn’t there something more important right now?”
Amilion’s voice was filled with a mixture of frustration and anger.
Her words momentarily distracted Ordin and the knights.
Just for a moment—a fleeting instant.
‘Okay, perfect.’
Though Amilion wasn’t trying to help me, her timing couldn’t have been better for me.
Woong—
As Ordin turned his attention to Amilion, I leapt through space.
To the top of the tree the knights were guarding.
“What?!”
“Stop him!”
Boom—
I heard someone’s cry, followed by the sound of air bursting against my ears.
‘Thank you.’
Waving at Amilion, I let the distortion of space carry me away.
—
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