ushernet Chapter 139
Chapter 139
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]
Chapter 139: The Night of the Mages (4)
"......."
"......."
At the Ninth Prince’s words, the atmosphere in the conference room grew heavy.
The representatives of each magic tower wore expressions of deep contemplation.
‘The purpose of the event has changed?’
‘The original goal was unity and peace... so it probably hasn’t changed to something softer.’
‘Considering all the recent incidents, perhaps the imperial family is starting to prepare for something.’
The first to break the silence was Sasha Maestro, the White Tower Master.
She stared intently at Berkan and asked,
"What exactly is the new purpose?"
"You seem quite worried, but there’s no need for that at all."@@@@
Berkan smiled warmly at Sasha.
"In fact, the White Tower might even welcome this change."
"Stop beating around the bush and explain it clearly."
"Very well. Simply put, we are shifting the direction of the event while also elevating its status."
Berkan lightly tapped the round table, signaling an attendant to enter and distribute a stack of documents.
As the tower masters quickly skimmed through the papers, deep frowns formed on their brows.
"...Discovery and evaluation of next-generation mages?"
"They're significantly increasing the focus on practical combat?"
"That’s right. Starting from the eighth iteration, the Night of the Mages will become a place to showcase and enhance the participants’ real-world combat abilities. The previous emphasis on unity and peace... will be somewhat set aside. We’ve chosen practicality instead."
At those words, the expressions of the tower masters hardened.
It was as if they were silently reprimanding him—"As if anyone ever truly followed those slogans anyway?"
"Hmph."
As expected, the ill-tempered Red Tower Master pushed his sunglasses down slightly and asked,
"You were the Emperor’s fifteenth child, wasn’t it?"
The air in the conference room froze, and tension filled the space.
Despite having a more respectful title available, he had deliberately referred to Berkan as the "fifteenth child."
The implication was clear—Don’t think you can act high and mighty just because you're royalty.
The room fell into cautious silence as everyone warily glanced between Kudel and Berkan.
Then, with a gentle smile, Berkan finally spoke.
"That’s correct. I am Berkan de Calderan, the fifteenth child of His Majesty and the Ninth Prince. I believe we met a few times when I was younger, though I’m not sure if you recall."
"You think I only meet one or two brats a year? I don’t remember."
The underlying meaning was clear: You're not worth remembering.
Even when insulted right to his face, Berkan simply nodded as if unbothered.
"That’s understandable; it was a long time ago. I’ll make sure to greet you often in the future so you won’t forget."
"...Hmph."
Kudel, slightly appeased by Berkan’s polite attitude, adjusted his sunglasses and turned away.
Meanwhile, Tony Havertz of the Yellow Tower, unfazed by the awkward atmosphere, asked,
"What do you mean by elevating the status of the event?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. The Night of the Mages, which was merely a friendly event before, will now be a stage for magic towers to achieve notable accomplishments."
Notable accomplishments, huh...
The tower masters glanced briefly at Sasha.
This was likely the reason Berkan suggested that the White Tower would welcome the change.
"The specific modifications are detailed in the documents."
Rustle, rustle.
Silence filled the room as the tower masters turned the pages, reading carefully.
"Hmm. The curriculum is more structured than I expected."
"So, Level 6 mages will compete in intellectual depth?"
"Yes. Since direct combat at their level could lead to dangerous incidents."
Level 6 mages were on the verge of reaching the high ranks.
If they were to be harmed, it would be a significant loss for the empire.
Everyone nodded in agreement and turned the pages.
Without batting an eye, he turned the page of the document.
"Next, the 4th-level mages will undergo... a survival simulation?"
"Yes. They’ll spend ten days in a virtual space, carrying out various missions. Their rankings will be determined based on the points they accumulate. It should be a great experience for fostering teamwork."
This was likely another result of Violet Moon’s influence.
Kudel clicked his tongue.
"Just creating the terrain won’t count as an achievement for the Violet Tower, will it?"
"Of course not."
"Will we be able to monitor the progress?"
"Naturally. If any issues arise, the Royal Guards will intervene immediately, so you don’t need to worry about the safety of the mages."
Berkan looked around at the representatives.
"Those who agree with these changes, please raise your hand to confirm participation."
"......."
"......."
The representatives exchanged glances.
Surprisingly, the first to raise a hand was the representative of the Blue Tower, who had remained silent throughout the meeting.
"Tsk, these young ones..."
Kudel shot a glare at the Blue Tower Master’s apprentice, who didn’t hesitate to raise their hand.
Then, he raised his own as well.
In an instant, eight hands went up.
Berkan smiled.
"That concludes our meeting. Let’s all do our best for the next fifteen days."
* * *
"A... virtual battle simulation?"
Oscar widened his eyes at Sasha.
He hadn’t expected this when she called him aside to talk.
"Yes. They changed the event’s purpose to strengthen the mages' teamwork."
"Hmm."
Oscar stroked his chin, deep in thought.
‘Well, from the empire’s perspective, there’s no harm in preparing in advance.’
The empire wasn’t in a state of peace—it was in a state of truce.
At any moment, the demons could cross the Red Mountain Range and launch an invasion.
‘If that’s the case, it makes sense to look at the White Tower as a reference.’
From what he recalled, the magic towers that had suffered the least casualties in the war were the White Tower and the Red Tower.
Of course, the White Tower had ultimately lost everything due to its conflict with the Great Demon Emperor, rendering its survival rate meaningless.
But before that, its numbers had been very promising.
‘That’s because their sense of camaraderie was stronger than anyone else’s.’
The Red Tower operated under a strict military hierarchy, making it easier for its mages to adapt to war.
Meanwhile, the White Tower had a longstanding tradition: Never abandon a comrade.
Unlike mages from other towers, they had no hesitation in entrusting their backs to their allies.
‘Now, they want every magic tower to adopt that mindset.’
Honestly, he thought it was impossible.
Especially for the Yellow Tower and Blue Tower, which had a strong culture of individualism.
‘If anything, the Black Tower, which bands together in times of crisis, might have a chance.’
As Oscar pondered deeply, Sasha spoke up.
"Anyway, our goal is to perform well in all three level groups."
"So we don’t get expelled from the Four Great Towers, right?"
"Yes. To be honest, I think we’re barely holding on."
"Don’t worry."
Oscar chuckled and patted Sasha’s head before confidently declaring:
"Our White Tower members are quite capable."
"Do you really think so?"
"Form is temporary, but class is permanent. There’s a reason we’re still one of the Four Great Towers."
However, despite his confident words—
The next day, in the Level 6 Knowledge Competition, the White Tower placed sixth, an utterly lackluster result.
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]