Chapter 28 – Find Out the Plan
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#1
Hollow eyes.
A figure that seemed slightly out of his mind.
Rachel found Ikel’s appearance slightly unsettling.
As if he wasn’t entirely human.
“Young Master…?”
“First, help them move that.”
“Oh, understood.”
At Lawrence’s command, Rachel led the soldiers.
Meanwhile, Lawrence dragged Ikel inside the annex.
To confirm whether the brainwashing had worked properly, he asked a few questions.
“Who is your superior right now?”
“Lord Lawrence Montemer.”
Mental Counter.
It was a more extraordinary ability than he had anticipated.
Not something typical mages, spirits, or even dragons could handle.
‘To think it can brainwash a 4th Circle mage for a whole week… That’s incredible.’
A 4th Circle mage was considered among the upper ranks of mages.
For the artifact to repel and even reverse brainwashing magic at that level proved how effective it was.
Lawrence didn’t plan to stop there.
He wanted to test if it could repel even magic that controlled deeper unconscious instincts.
“Cast a new suggestion on me. Make it so that I must fulfill the events of today no matter what. Even if the brainwashing breaks, it must rise from the depths of my personality.”
“As you command.”
A glint of light escaped Ikel’s vacant eyes.
Muttering, his lips began forming the incantation.
The transformation magic targeted Lawrence.
[Self-Suggestion]
[Mental Counter]
[Ikel Yurgo’s psyche is being reconstructed.]
[He will now faithfully carry out today’s orders.]
The artifact rebounded the magic.
Was it really capable of doing this much?
At this rate, as it grew stronger, mental attacks would no longer be a concern.
Lawrence watched as Ikel’s mind rapidly reorganized itself.
The mana Ikel had cast returned to him, swirling around his own mind.
Mental and transformation magic worked in such fascinating ways.
‘This is truly remarkable.’
Having learned something new, he now had more to analyze when observing other mages’ actions in the future.
Once he had a clear understanding of Ikel’s state, Lawrence spoke.
It was time to turn Ikel into a loyal dog.
“You serve Lawrence. You are my shield and my spy on the front lines.”
“I serve… Lord Lawrence…”
“Ikel Yurgo will protect me, deliver false information, and reveal Medeia’s schemes.”
“Medeia’s… Ugh…”
For a moment, the brainwashing almost broke.
Lawrence waited as the mana flickering in Ikel’s head stabilized.
Fortunately, both the suggestion and brainwashing appeared to have worked.
Suppressing a sigh of relief, Lawrence continued the brainwashing process.
“If you faithfully follow me, I will ensure no harm befalls the Yurgo family.”
“For the family…”
“Act as usual, but at my command, you must immediately align with me.”
“What is the command?”
The command was:
“Guardian’s Legacy.”
“Guardian’s Legacy. Command registered.”
“Good. Now, when I clap my hands, you will behave as normal.”
A crisp clap rang out.
Ikel’s hazy eyes regained clarity.
Although his movements were still slightly awkward, the brainwashing seemed intact.
“Lady Medeia ordered me to cast brainwashing magic on your maid. I believe it was to monitor your every move.”
“Do you know why she wants to monitor me?”
“I do not know that. However, she promised me a magic book that would elevate me to the 5th Circle.”
“So that’s how it is…”
She even intended to hinder him while he quietly worked in the annex.
Lawrence let out a chuckle.
Unfortunate for her, but there was no way she could touch him before he entered the Magic Tower.
Once he joined the Magic Tower, she would undoubtedly try to bribe its members.
“Do you know which Magic Towers are participating in the upcoming selection?”
“The Seven-Colored Magic Tower, the Tower of Transformation, and the Tower of Beasts are said to be participating.”
“What about the Iron Magic Tower?”
“They have expressed no intention of participating.”
Lawrence nodded silently and gave Ikel a new order.
The Iron Magic Tower.
He instructed Ikel to discreetly inform the tower, without Medeia finding out, that someone they valued greatly was here.
#2
Huff—!
The massive barbell was hoisted upward.
After a brief pause, it was lowered again.
“Huuup!”
Harsh breathing filled the room as the barbell moved up and down.
Despite his head full of white hair, his body was covered in muscles.
Anyone might mistake him for a knight, but this was undeniably a group of mages.
Although humble enough to barely be called a Magic Tower, it was still a five-story building where researchers dwelled.
“Tower Master, are you really not going to participate in this year’s selection?”
“How many times must I tell you? I don’t mingle with gatherings of weaklings.”
“Let’s be honest. It’s because you know no one would show up anyway, isn’t it?”
“If you speak disrespectfully one more time, I’ll double the weight.”
“Hoooh—!”
The white-haired, muscle-bound old man finished one last lift and set the barbell down.
Boom—!
The heavy metal echoed as it hit the ground.
Was this truly the weight of a mage and not a warrior or knight?
After putting down the massive chunk of steel, the Tower Master began to stretch slowly.
“Young people these days don’t understand the importance of the body. Only by training the body can you clear your mind and conduct proper research…”
“By the way, did you hear? They say the youngest son of the Montemer family has been making interesting moves.”
“Montemer? What could possibly be interesting about them?”
They were a family who bent the world to their whims.
The Tower Master shook his head, recalling Edward Montemer, frail in appearance but overwhelming in mana.
“Young people these days don’t understand the importance of the body!”
He snorted, waiting for the elder’s response.
“That Young Master supposedly smashed undead skulls with a bone.”
“…What did you say?”
What kind of bizarre nonsense was this?
The Tower Master’s eyebrows furrowed into an exaggerated arch.
For the first time in a long while, his curiosity was piqued.
After all, that was the essence of Iron Magic.
“Apparently, his magic manifestations are incredibly fast. Practically no chanting at all, they say.”
“Hah… Are you trying to tell me he’s some kind of dragon? It’s all exaggerated rumours.”
“Tower Master, this might be an opportunity. [Battle Mage]. There are no young prospects left among us, are there!?”
At the elder’s remark, the Tower Master glanced around the training area, where others were lifting metal weights.
Plenty of muscles, but no hair.
Plenty of muscles, but no vitality.
Plenty of muscles, but… now so many wrinkles.
“Do you think becoming a Battle Mage is easy? We must push ourselves even further! Like the Guardians of old, we can do it too!”
“Sigh… Please don’t say things like that elsewhere. We might respect it because you’re our senior, but…”
These days, saying things like that would get you labeled an old geezer.
The elder swallowed his final words and looked around at his fellow trainees, diligently working out.
Battle Mage.
They were gathered here in pursuit of the legend of the old Guardian, [Ikeller], who first wielded Iron Magic.
Iron Magic was a deeply flawed discipline.
It was often derided as an inferior version of the Golden Magic Tower’s magic, capable of striking with unparalleled force but notoriously difficult to hit its target.
The Guardian Ikeller overcame these flaws through relentless physical training.
“Why do you think he became a Guardian? The answer is written plainly. We just have to follow his methods faithfully. Anyway, what’s this about that Young Master?”
“He shows promise of becoming a Battle Mage. An extraordinary physique paired with unmatched casting speed. Isn’t he exactly the kind of talent we’re looking for?”
“Hmm, I see…”
The Tower Master’s expression shifted to one of genuine interest.
It had been a long time since they had successfully scouted new talent.
Most fled after claiming this wasn’t the kind of magic they sought.
But the Tower Master hadn’t given up.
He firmly believed that one day, the Iron Magic Tower would rise as a major force.
For that day, he would continue lifting iron and gnawing on meat.
Montemer’s youngest son, was it…?
Very well.
Let’s see how strong and healthy he’s grown.
“When is the selection event?”
“In just a few days.”
“We’d best get moving.”
At that moment, the crystal orb in the tower began to chime.
#3
The day before the selection event.
Lawrence was enduring intense training while applying the Chain of Mana.
At night, he crafted artifacts.
In the morning, he trained his body.
He was preparing thoroughly for the selection event.
His physique had grown impressively sturdy, and his face had matured noticeably.
“Young Master! It’s here! A carrier pigeon from Sir Ikel!”
“Let me see.”
Lawrence eagerly inspected the pigeon, which carried good news.
Ikel had been feeding Medeia false information thus far, without any problems.
[Report: The Iron Magic Tower Master has confirmed participation in the selection event.]
[All other Tower Masters have already met with Lady Medeia.]
[A 5th Circle magic book has been received.]
[Supplies will arrive shortly.]
“Good. Everything is proceeding as planned.”
“That’s great news?”
“Yes. By the way, what will you do while I’m at the Magic Tower?”
“Me? I suppose I’ll continue managing this annex?”
That was a reasonable assumption, but it posed a serious problem.
No one would be around to ensure her safety while Lawrence was away.
“I’ll have to ask the family head for help.”
“I’ll fetch the parchment.”
“No need. He’ll handle it without any extra instructions.”
Edward, the family head, would surely grant his request.
But Lawrence couldn’t rely on him forever.
One day, he might have to stand against him.
Instead, he decided to use Medeia’s psychology against her.
The answer, once again, lay with Ikel.
He also couldn’t stand the thought of Rachel being beaten around like she was in the North.
What if he made an artifact and implanted it in her?
‘It could reinforce her lack of strength…’
After all, the advantage of artifacts was that even those who couldn’t use magic could wield it.
Rachel, if she wished, could become an excellent mage.
Lawrence stroked his chin as he gazed at Rachel.
“W-Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Rachel, would you like to become a mage? Or perhaps a knight? I could even make you an assassin.”
“…What?”
Rachel’s expression grew strange.
Lawrence chuckled and spoke.
“Do you think Medeia will just leave you alone? A maid loyal to a bastard son? Especially now that the bastard has earned recognition?”
“C-Come to think of it, even Sir Ikel gave me a frightening look… So it’s true.”
“You’re only alive because I intervened. So choose. Will you stay here quietly and be killed or exploited, or will you follow me and grow stronger—body and all?”
Rachel’s face turned pale.
Some dangerous words had just been uttered…
Was it really safe to follow the Young Master?
“Do… do I even have a choice?”
“Of course! The choice is always yours. Although, I’d be disappointed. There aren’t many who can grill a steak as well as you do.”
“S-Steak…”
Yes, she was good at grilling steak…
When it came to steak, Rachel was the best…
Rachel let out a deep sigh.
Having come this far, she resolved to stay by Lawrence’s side and serve him until the end.
“F-Fine! I’ll stay by your side, Young Master! And I’ll serve you the best steak!”
“You’ve made a wise choice. Soon, you’ll not only be great at cooking steak but also my strongest maid.”
“…I’ll look forward to it.”
Lawrence smiled brighter than ever.
With Rachel’s resilience through countless trials and tribulations, she would surely grow stronger.
Now, it wasn’t just about himself—he had a duty to create an artifact for Rachel as well.
—
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