Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 248

Episode 248 Safe (1)

The king of the underworld, Loafra, Grond Vale di Baladis.

Leonil Bertanas, head of the Estyrian Court Magicians.

The above two people are the most guarded figures in the kingdom.

The power and influence each of them possessed was so great that they could divide the kingdom beyond the royal family. For Silis, they were a risk factor that had to be eliminated.

If the two forces were to completely combine their powers… … it would likely be impossible to handle with Silis’s abilities and the Marquis of Esperenza’s assistance.

So, individual attacks are necessary.

The plan is to first deal with Leonil at the coronation, and then subdue Grond.

For him, the top priority was to prevent the two from meeting directly, no matter what variables occurred.

That's why someone had to be forcibly isolated, and that was the King of the Underworld. The closed city of Loaf was a perfect fit for the prison.

however.

'Gronde is dead?'

Silis touched her lips.

At this point, the king of the underworld died… … I had no idea.

There is no way that the pinnacle of Wintert could have been assassinated.

Security is tight, but if there was someone who could do it in the first place, there should have been at least a faint warning.

But this was so sudden.

Since he's a man stuck in Loafra, it's unlikely that he would have been unlucky enough to be swept away by a natural disaster or be killed by an alien or a mutant.

'I've never heard of him being in poor health or suffering from any dangerous illness.'

It's dark and nothing fits.

Silis did not like this confusion.

She had been quietly silent, but she clenched her fists and focused her consciousness.

───Lorian, tell me what happened in the underworld right now.

───… … This is Asher.

───Asher?

An unexpected name.

But there was something to catch.

───I heard that Asher has been missing recently. Could it be that it has something to do with Wintert secretly moving troops for reasons other than the civil war?

Silis has been watching over Loafra.

It was only to confirm Grond's residence.

Thanks to that, Lorian was able to deliver news from the underworld so quickly, but since he kept as far away as possible, it was impossible for him to closely understand the situation in Wintert.

Because I couldn't let my identity be discovered even once.

He couldn't let his few people die to such men. The latter was Silis' opinion.

───Then let me explain.

Lorian unravels the story through telepathy.

Asher and Galeaak invade Roafra.

A large-scale hunt began under the orders of the king of the underworld. Originally, the two men should have been dragged away as corpses.

But the reality was the opposite.

───He had a companion named Galeaq, but in reality, Asher alone… … destroyed Roafra. There were no civilian casualties, but in the process, about a quarter of Wintert’s lower forces were killed or went missing, and the rest completely lost their will to fight and surrendered.

Lorian belatedly checked the scene.

For a moment, my mind trembled. It was far beyond the scope of a mere magician.

───Also… … Several dozen minutes later, the Ashen Palace collapsed. After that, a giant iceberg, apparently created by Asher’s magic, fell, and news of Grond’s death was announced.

───Have you confirmed the body?

───I haven't seen it myself, but Black Hand Robert has feared it. Starting today, a new king has been born in the underworld. Based on the circumstances, it is believed to be true.

It was shocking news.

Silis frowned and leaned against the windowsill.

Strength filled her slender fingers. The reality was even more unexpected.

'Grond's death is good news. But… … .'

That in itself was a problem.

The appearance of a strong man who could single-handedly overwhelm the entire Loafra, including Grond. In other words, it was safe to say that a wizard of the same level as Leonil had appeared.

'Asher was that kind of person… …?'

The gap was too great.

I had clearly heard reports from the Marquis of Esperance and judged him to be an exceptional man, but I never could have imagined that he would be this good.

As my head became more complicated, my forehead became hot.

Lorian whispered.

───Although Loafra suffered significant damage, fortunately there was no disruption to the original plan. What will you do, Your Majesty, Silis?

How do you do it?

Silis closed his eyes and thought deeply.

With Grond dead, the plan was essentially lost.

'Asher… … .'

He has a connection with the Marquis of Esperance.

As has been the case so far, it is unlikely to be a hindrance to Silis. If you do well, you may even be able to get some help.

But there is no such thing as absolute in this world, don't you know that?

Her father, the ordinary King of Estyria, had become so cruel.

That's why I assumed the worst.

'If Asher joins hands with Leonil.'

What if something like that actually happened, even if it's unlikely?

It was certain that they would be a greater threat than Grond. No matter how well prepared they were, it would be difficult to deal with those two.

Silis doesn't trust others.

The only people she trusts are the avengers who share her pain and dreams.

Asher, the Gray wizard who carries out commissions.

Up until now, I thought leaving it alone was the best option… … but now that it’s come to this, there’s only one choice. I can’t leave the variables that could ruin my plans as they are.

───The 'Roafra Seal Plan' will proceed as planned. However, Leonil may head to the underworld after learning of the strange situation in Grond, so we will push the coronation forward a bit to prevent other places from being taken care of for the time being. We will leave the information disruption to Flona and Seba… no, the dark merchant Cland.

───Understood, Your Majesty.

───And… … .

Silis paused for a moment.

He thought about it, tapping the window with his finger.

Asher is a huge variable.

They might be enemies, but not yet.

Judging from his appearance so far, he seems to be open to compromise, unlike Grond.

Rather than judging them only as obstacles to be eliminated, it might be better to approach them a little more friendly.

so.

───Arrange a meeting with Asher.

* * *

Loap is a city of survival of the fittest.

It was an extraterritorial area beyond the reach of the kingdom's public power, and the rules set by the ruling power, Wintert, were the law.

Of course, there were those who were dissatisfied, but no one expressed it openly. No one dared to go against Wintert or Grond.

Only the strong can have everything.

That is the underworld. And at this point, the pinnacle of Roafra is Verden.

'There was a place like this under the castle.'

The basement of the Ash Royal Palace.

It was the only place that was free from the effects of Verden's magic, and it was the room that Grond usually used as a place of rest.

Verden lay down on the high throne.

A soft yet tough, waterproof material. Judging by my experience, it is clear that this sofa is made of horse leather.

It was a luxury that would make adventurers terrified to see that the materials for armor were used to make furniture.

The whole place is covered with stuff like that.

The room was large enough to accommodate several dozen people, and a chandelier made of inlaid magic stone hung from the ceiling.

Besides that, there were a lot of expensive-looking decorations everywhere, even though I don't know what they were.

At that moment, Gail approached.

“I brought you Fury Gold Buzz tea and cheesecake.”

He put down the bowl and teacup without making a sound.

Although he had been Grond's secretary for many years, his nervousness was evident. He bowed deeply and carefully stepped back.

Verden looked down.

'Fury Gold Buzz. Long time no see.'

These were the tea leaves that Count Rodenmeyer had served me when I was on a mission to the duchy.

I lightly generated magic.

I mixed half a spoonful of sugar with my telekinesis and sipped the tea like a cake. The quality was top-notch, and it tasted just like I remembered.

It might have been poisonous, but it didn't matter.

Because Einver grants its owner immunity to poisoning. Verden, who was wearing the ancient artifact of the Demon King, was unstoppable.

The attitude that no matter what you do, you can't dare kill yourself.

Robert, sitting diagonally across from Verden, was terrified of it.

“…….”

She rolled her gray eyes.

Verden's expression, unlike Grond's, showed no emotion. Adding to that his flawless and mysterious appearance, the fear was doubled.

widely.

Verden put down his teacup.

Robert clenched his fists under the table at the sight of her directing her gaze.

“What is the condition of Gauliak?”

“Well, first of all, we administered first aid using the highest-grade potion, and we are currently treating him by bringing in a priest from Aurople. He said that it will take time to fully recover, but that it will not cause any physical disability.”

“Drakeken.”

“I am also currently undergoing treatment for that as well… If you wish, I will dispose of it immediately.”

Drakeen tried to kill Galliak.

Since the party had been harmed, Robert thought the new king would be angry. But Verden had no such thoughts.

Now that Grond has been dealt with, there is no reason to run wild any longer.

Well, it's not like Gaulic is dead.

“Leave it alone.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

your majesty?

Verden frowned.

When I showed my displeasure, Gail and Robert straightened their backs.

“Don’t change the title.”

“Yes? Then, how…….”

“Just call me by my name.”

“Okay, dear, Asher.”

“So. How is Roap now?”

Robert explained straight away.

The change of power in Loafra happened in just one day.

The organizations that barely managed to survive in such a sudden change each retreated into their hideouts. It was a natural reaction to experience an irresistible force.

Although they were afraid that they might be disposed of at the new king's whim, no one left Loafra.

They thought that there was nowhere to hide and that they could be killed the moment they ran away.

“Sigh… No, there will never be anything that will bother you, Asher. If there is any sign of it, I will personally take precautions in advance.”

Robert said confidently.

I didn't want to die that much because I had to prove my usefulness to survive.

Verden nodded.

By the way, I was wondering what to do right now.

Of course, I wasn't going to just sit there like this.

The throne of the underworld was too small for Verden. The power he had amassed was never meant to rule the underground city.

He had no intention of becoming a goblin in a cave, calling himself a king like Grond.

'All of my goals have been achieved, so it's time to leave the kingdom… … .'

That can't be done right now.

Because Leonil is still alive and well.

He had no mercy whatsoever in either neglecting or sparing those who had carried out human experiments, even though he knew about them. The act itself was a sore spot on Verden.

However, it is difficult to deal with Leonil all at once.

Even if you are not a Transcendent, you should not underestimate the power of a 6th-tier magician. If you engage in a magic battle in the royal capital, Letia, the damage could be magnified.

So we have to get Leonie out.

Or maybe an opportunity will come to have a one-on-one conversation with him.

“…….”

Verden sat quietly in thought.

The silence weighed heavily on the atmosphere.

Robert's eyes wavered.

'It's dangerous.'

There is no way to know what the new king is thinking.

One may be… … he may be contemplating whether or not to dispose of Guile, Drakeen, and Robert himself.

You have to show me a reason to save me right now.

Robert, who had been desperately racking his brain, opened his eyes wide. Yes, there was one. A very large gift worthy of being presented to the new king.

“Mr. Asher, I have something to show you right now.”

* * *

Robert is in charge of Wintert's finances.

Because he had outstanding abilities, he was able to confidently assume and maintain the position of leader.

Grond held Robert in high regard.

Because it is much more important to make huge profits by rolling over tens or hundreds of billions than simply being strong in force.

It is self-evident that strength is the truth of the world, but that does not mean that it can be everything in the world.

───So I'll leave it to you.

A passage leading deeper into the underground city.

As he walked by, Robert recalled the order at the time.

“Gronde secretly gave me access to his vaults. It was a show of trust, but also an order to keep them stocked, and I have never failed him in that regard.”

But there is no more Grond.

The throne he had usurped was taken away by a new king.

Verden said.

“So you’re going to hand over the safe to me?”

“It was Asher who deposed Grond. It is only natural that his property should be returned to him. At least in this Loafra.”

Robert smiled faintly.

It was her sinister intention to gain trust and life by using other people's property.

After a while, we arrived at the deep underground of the Ashen Palace.

Perhaps because it was beneath an underground lake, a faint fishy smell tickled my nose. In the old, unmaintained passageways, cave moss grew in every crevice.

“Then I will open it.”

Robert felt along the wall.

When I pressed the brick, the mechanism started working. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it had even been processed to disrupt magical power.

A device that cannot be detected by magic detection.

Kukukuku… … !

The wall opens with vibration.

Beyond that was a metal door of indeterminate thickness.

Robert introduced.

“This is the safe of Grond.”