ushernet Chapter 226: Mikhail (2)
Chapter 226: Mikhail (2)
Chapter 226: Mikhail (2)
“...What?!” Mikhail blurted out, startled by Karyl’s command.
“I must’ve heard that wrong.”
“No, you didn’t,” Karyl reassured him, tearing into the roasted War Bear meat Israphil had prepared.
“Master... you might as well ask me to die instead.”
Despite the incredible display of magical prowess he had just shown, Mikhail now wore a forlorn expression.
“Who said anything about dying? I just got you to a useful level in Antihum.”
Even with Karyl’s reassurance, Mikhail let out a deep sigh.
“The Ivory Tower... You really think it makes sense to send me to the Dawn Council now?”
Crackle... crackle...
Just like the wood in the campfire, Mikhail felt like his insides were burning up.
The Ivory Tower of the Dawn Council—located between the Flame Dragon’s lair and the northern part of the principality, this massive tower was the headquarters of the Dawn Council, one of the two major magical councils, akin to Antihum of the Immortal Council.
After witnessing Mikhail’s Stacked Magic Technique that took down the War Bear, Karyl hadn’t even bothered to deal with the monster’s carcass before making the suggestion.
“Are you serious about this?” Israphil finally ventured to ask, unable to stand it any longer. The little Dark Giant next to him wobbled over with a tray of meat for Mikhail, but Mikhail didn’t even look at it, keeping his head down and just sighing deeply.
“Of course. You’re all sharp people, and yet you’re asking me so many times... Do I look like someone who’d just make idle talk?”
“N-no.” Flustered, Israphil waved his hands.
“If he’s not the type to joke around, maybe he’s saying it to mess with us on purpose. You need to explain properly.” Serica pouted her lips in discontent.
“Mikhail received training from the Immortal Council. Although he’s not an official disciple or affiliated sorcerer, he was personally trained by Nain Darhon.”
She stood next to Mikhail, almost like his spokesperson.
“And you want to send someone like that to learn magic from the Dawn Council? Do you really think that makes sense?”
“Yup.”
“...What?”
“Just like you said, Mikhail was trained by the Immortal Council, but he’s neither an official disciple nor an affiliated sorcerer,” Karyl responded as though he had anticipated her words.
“So, what’s the problem?” he went on.
“Well, I mean...” Serica merely looked at him, lost for words.
“The sorcerers of the Dawn Council aren’t cannibals who’d kill someone for no reason. On the contrary, they might even be thrilled.”
“Huh?” Mikhail looked at Karyl in confusion.
“The empire’s doctrine that mana is a blessing and those without it are heretics stems from the Church’s ethics. Because of that, everyone knows the Dawn Council has close ties with the Church, receiving their support.”
Everyone nodded at Karyl’s explanation.
“The first verse of the Church’s doctrine states, ‘God created mana.’ This leads to the notion of heresy and distinguishes between curses and necromancy. But everyone here knows now that mana wasn’t created by God.”
Everyone looked at Allen Javius standing next to Karyl. Or more accurately, at Duaat, the Dark Spirit, who dwelled within Allen.
“Mana was created from the cracks during the world’s formation, not by God. Depending on how it evolves, it can become a spirit or, conversely, residue known as Tarak. And then there are some cracks that were scattered here and there, bestowed upon humans.
The Immortal Council approached mana as a natural phenomenon, researching the cracks extensively. That was likely how Nain Darhon had managed to create the incomplete Tarak, the failure known as the Dust of the Void.
“There is no mention of spirits in any verse of the Church’s doctrine. Why is that? It’s simple. The Church can’t explain the existence of spirits.”
“Hmm...”
“That’s right.”
“The disappearance of the Spirit Realm since the Magical Era provided a good explanation for the Church’s doctrine. They separated the concept of spirits from mana, claiming they were entirely different entities. According to them, spirits vanished because they defied divine will.”
In reality, it was the spiritualists that had almost vanished, but not before encountering two Spirit Kings.
“Also, I obtained the Essence of the Soul Spring from the elven treasury in the Ghost Castle, which can open a dimensional gate to the Spirit Realm.”
“You mean you can connect the Spirit Realm with the human world?”
“It’s not enough yet... Israphil, if you work hard and show progress in Original Magic, it might be possible. We still lack spirit power.”
“Hmm...”
“M-Me, at the Dawn Council?”
“Yes. I always intended to unite the councils, but I couldn’t find a way to do it. I lacked the justification.”
While the others might think it was merely a scheme to consolidate power during the continent’s unification, all of Karyl’s plans were ultimately aimed at the impending Oracle War.
“In truth, these superficial matters might seem meaningless... But having a justification will motivate those sluggish sorcerers. That’s why you’re the right person for this.”
Karyl pointed at Mikhail with the rib from the War Bear.
“I can’t just tell Nain Darhon and Berchi Blano to shake hands and work together, can I?”
“Well... no...” Mikhail sighed, knowing the renowned Great Sorcerers weren’t children.
“Now that we’ve ascertained your talent, I can finally put this plan in motion.”
“And what about you, Master?”
“Of course, I’ll be heading to the principality with you. But there’s somewhere I need to stop by first.”
“Is it because of the messenger pigeon that came earlier?”
“Correct.”
Mikhail glanced at the pigeon huddled beside Karyl. It had flown in after they had cleared the fire and finished setting up camp. The bird was large and had rough feathers, a species from the south.
“I will depart at dawn. You need to go to Tatur as I instructed and form a team for our journey to the principality.”
“...Understood,” Mikhail answered with a downcast expression. “But the south... it’s nothing serious, right?”
Karyl chuckled at his question.
“No, it’s just a minor family matter. I need to visit Digon briefly. Focus on yourself. You’ll have to take care of yourself there.”
“...Then maybe don’t send me.” Mikhail’s face scrunched up again.
“Do you remember when I picked you out from the Guidance Mercenary Gang? At that time, I considered Suan, Aidan, and you as my people. It means I value you more than anyone else.”
This time, Karyl spoke in a serious tone, quite different from before. There was a strange resonance in his voice, as if it carried magic, spreading gently through the forest.
“Aidan told me he feels he hasn’t had a chance to prove his worth, unlike the southern barbarians. Suan feels the same. From the southern unification to the Ghost Castle assault, he always complains that all he did was steer the ship.”
Karyl’s lips curled into a sly smile.
Whoosh!
He tossed the rib bone he was holding into the fire. The meat still clinging to the bone sizzled as the flames flickered wildly.
“And you?”
“...What?”
“Unlike those two who are eager for opportunities, I gave you a chance to grow directly in Antihum. Don’t you want to test your own growth rather than just do stuff for me?”
“Well...” Mikhail hesitated to answer. The power he had displayed in killing the War Bear had surprised even him. How far could he go? It was hard not to be tempted by such ambition.
“You need to establish a clear second place. There’s no need for disputes about who’s higher or lower.”
“Me... going to a Great Sorcerer?”
“They have decades more experience than you. Out of pride, they won’t confront you directly. That’s why I want you to humble Serga,” Karyl explained.
Serga is highly regarded by the Dawn Council, but he’s also a promising sorcerer of the empire. If Mikhail defeats him and establishes himself as a sorcerer from Tatur, it will solidify his magical standing.
Karyl lightly patted Mikhail on the shoulder.
“Relax. The spot at the top is mine anyway. I will surpass dragons and reach the pinnacle.”
Mikhail couldn’t help chuckling at that, although Karyl never sounded like he was joking.
“I won’t be long.”
Rumble...
Just then, as if waiting for Karyl’s words, a low growl echoed from the forest. The ground shook, and sharp eyes glowed from beneath the trees.
“...!!”
Mounting the Sand Serpent, Karyl said his goodbyes.
“I’ll see you in Tatur.”