Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 503

Episode 503 From the Past (4)

The research process of the ancient magician in the ice that Verden has discovered so far and that Dahit has put into practice is summarized into five parts.

First, it was suggested that the ancient man without a magic circuit could have been a wizard who lived in the era before the first magic tower was built.

Second, the man's frozen body retained the magical power injected from outside for a long time compared to a corpse with magical circuits.

Third, Dahit Wesroel doubted whether the magic circuit was natural. He guessed that there must have been some cause in the middle of the ancient human history that spanned hundreds of years.

Fourth, Dahit finally realized the true value of the ancient wizard in the ice after repeated investigations and came to a conclusion.

Fifth, as a conclusion, he is trying to commit something to the magical world.

“…….”

Verden stroked his hair, which had turned ashen after the reversal.

I take a deep breath to calm my tense mind and feel my temperature rise. My forehead, which I touch with my hand, feels quite hot.

'Overall, it's incredibly difficult.'

If it were another wizard, I wouldn't know, but since the Transcendent of Black Hour is making such a promise, it's obvious that there's something there.

The problem is that I have no idea what it is.

Even recently, there were weeping demons, giants trapped in ice, frozen ancient wizards… …all of which had unknown causes.

I feel like a historian, as my mind wanders to events that happened in the distant past that I have never seen before.

‘… … Let’s stop here for now.’

Contrary to my mind, I can't make any progress because I lack the information to focus on. So thinking about it further is a waste of time.

Verden left the immediate issues, including the [Eternal Hourglass], on one side of his mind and headed out the door.

A cool breeze is blowing through the wide open window.

I felt quite refreshed after leaving the room I had been staying in for several days.

“Oh, you’re here? That’s good. I had something to tell you anyway.”

At that moment, Kayrel, who was passing by in the hallway, saw Verden and approached him.

She had been working as a vigilante in the back alleys of Arane until just a few months ago, but now she is a member of the Northern faction and has become accustomed to managing various confidential matters.

That was possible thanks to Suin's background as someone born in an ownerless land.

As experience and unique animalistic senses developed solely for the purpose of survival, their adaptability became very high.

Of course, the teachings I received from Adrian's teacher also had a great influence.

Currently, when nothing special comes up, Keirel mainly uses communication devices to handle information or acts as a central point of the communication network.

This is based on the experience gained while preparing for the last competition.

He doesn't seem particularly bothered, and in fact, he seems more energetic overall than before, which seems to suit his role in many ways.

'By the way, if there's any news worth sharing at this time… … .'

Verden asked.

“Is it dwarf related?”

"that's right."

The interior of the large-scale complex mine is currently under construction by dwarves brought from the volcanic regions of the Western Continent.

The necessary supplies were being delivered directly by Keirel using flying ships sponsored by the Kingdom of Estiria.

With strict security maintained by the Society's wizards.

Since Verden is often absent and cannot immediately speak to the dwarves, Keirel is filling in for him.

“They say that the foundation of the fortress and the facility will be completed in four days from today. After that, they will rest for a while and then choose one of the two to complete sequentially. I heard that they don’t have enough manpower to do the full-scale construction at the same time.”

If there are no people, you can hire people to fill the gap, but with dwarves, there's nothing you can do.

Even if we put security aside, how could an ordinary human keep up with the dwarves, who are known for their dexterity?

It's obvious that unless you bring in some skilled craftsmen, it'll just be a nuisance.

“The fortress or the facility… Have you decided which one to work on first?”

“It’s not confirmed yet, but I hear opinions are leaning toward the fortress. Well, it’s more important to completely resolve the residential area than anything else. Since we don’t have to rush to build weapons, can we put off the facilities until later?”

“Does Gharun think the same?”

“Well, I asked him once, but that hundreds of years old dwarf just kept throwing tantrums and telling me to bring him some proper supplies. Tsk, he’s short, but his eyes are damn high.”

When it comes to creation and production, dwarves have a different level of insight.

Naturally, this is especially true for G'harun, the legendary dwarf and true dwarf with a reputation for integrity in the Red Volcano.

───Damn, there's something wrong here? Hey, Suin! Come here and look at this log. Right there. See the crack at the end? This is useless, so throw it away and give me a clean one instead.

───This little thing… … ? Then you can just cut it off at the end and use it. You don’t have to use it as a whole.

───What? What do you mean, only cutting at the end? Even at a glance, there's a fine crack extending deep inside from the end!

───No, I can't see it, what is it… … .

───If you process this, nine out of ten will break. Even if the remaining one holds up, it will never last long. But you want me to make a dwarven fortress with this that will last hundreds of years? Or build a building out of toothpicks? Bring it back!

───Wow!

───Gyaaagh! This crazy dwarf!

After experiencing the true dwarven nonsense for the first time, Keirel recalled the hardships he had to endure in checking the quality of the materials with great care.

She clenched her fists, baring her fangs.

“You should have cut off that beard…!”

It seems that the wild water people and the selfish dwarves are both wild by nature, and they don't seem to be a good match racially.

Not as much as humans and elves, though.

Well, whatever.

'This is difficult.'

I was planning on consulting again about the dragon material when the construction was almost finished… … If the facility completion is delayed until after the fortress is completed, it will be at least next year before the weapon can be made.

'Considering the current situation, it is too late.'

So, I had no choice but to intervene.

But that wasn't Verden's job.

Because there were other people who needed weapons.

* * *

Verden called Adrian and Isabella through the communicator. While having a meal, he relayed the story he had heard from Keirel.

Isabella rested her chin on her hand.

“So…… what Gaju is saying is that we should negotiate with the dwarves and prioritize the construction of facilities over the fortress?”

“To be exact, all you have to do is convince Gharun.”

Verden took a sip of wine.

“If it were any other matter, the dwarves would have agreed if I had just asked, but making weapons is different. The only dwarf here who can handle dragon materials is Gharun. And Gharun has his own standards for that.”

Gharun doesn't make anything just because you ask for it.

He would never raise his hammer against an opponent he judged unworthy of using the weapon he had created, even if a knife was held to his throat.

Even the transcendent are no exception.

But once you prove your worth, Gharun really does give it his all.

Just like when I made [Interis] for Verden.

“You guys are the ones who need the dragon-material weapons, so even if I personally step forward and ask for the facilities to be given priority, Gharun won’t budge. Naturally, the same goes for the production request.”

“It seems that it is entirely up to the two of us to decide how to persuade her.”

“There’s nothing to be too concerned about. The proof has to be provided anyway. It’s just that the timing has been brought forward a little. From what I’ve seen, there won’t be any problems with you guys.”

Verden put down his empty wine glass.

“Two days later, Keirel said he’d be transporting the supplies the dwarves requested via airship. It’s unclear whether my <gate> will be able to make a round trip while there’s still a cooldown, so let’s go together then.”

A weapon made from the dragon's ribs.

Adrian suddenly felt an empty feeling in his waist and bowed his head deeply.

“Leave it to me, my lord.”

* * *

The world moves simultaneously.

As time passes in an uninhabited land, so it passes elsewhere.

Melad's letters are finding their owners one by one.

* * *

The Academy District of the megacity, Gargant.

In this street full of young people, an old professor of alchemy walks, holding an envelope in one hand.

The sun is setting.

I walked past countless people in silence and approached one of the buildings lined up tightly. I unlocked it with my key and stepped forward.

dump.

I sat down on the soft chair in the middle of the living room and rubbed my eyes. The bag contained an ordinary red wine.

‘There are no classes tomorrow… … .’

I was planning to take it easy today.

dripping.

Just then, a knock was heard.

You don't even need to look to know what kind of guest he is.

He went to the front door and opened it without even asking who it was.

There stood an old man with a bushy beard and a kind expression, wearing plain robes.

The headmaster of the academy.

“They say alcohol is a cure-all, but without a side dish, it becomes poison. I brought some ham so you won’t get sick. But what did you buy today?”

“It’s a good value red wine.”

“Ugh, I guess I’ll just wipe my mouth and go. But it’s better than nothing.”

The principal licked his lips and entered the house, confidently taking his place. He might have been offended, but the professor paid no attention.

This situation was a daily occurrence for both of them.

The two sat diagonally across from each other.

The professor asked.

“Can I make myself comfortable?”

“Aren’t you the landlord? How many times have I told you that there was absolutely no need to ask my opinion on that matter…… Well, you’re still the same.”

“Let’s call it a habit.”

The professor placed his hand on his face and swept it downward. The magic item's effect disappeared, revealing the hidden figure in its entirety.

The reddish burn marks covering half of his face… … It’s impossible to imagine how painful it must have been.

The principal poured wine into two glasses himself without even blinking.

The taste was satisfying, even though it was expensive, as it was served with salty ham.

“How is your life as a professor these days?”

“It’s the same as usual. However, it’s a shame that among the freshmen who entered early this year, there aren’t any students with any particular talent for alchemy.”

“Isn’t that talent something that comes out of nowhere? It will suddenly appear like it always has. That’s what the Academy is all about.”

“Well, I don’t remember many students who excelled in alchemy.”

The professor didn't pay much attention to anything outside his area of expertise. He was extremely wizardly in his single-mindedness.

“But thanks to you, the students’ alchemy skills are getting better and better. Other professors wouldn’t even think about it. That’s why you shouldn’t suddenly retire. It would be a great loss to the magical community.”

“I told you that I have no particular plans to retire. But since you keep talking about it, it seems like you are actually encouraging me to retire.”

“Haha, no way!”

The principal laughed it off, but the concern behind his words was genuine.

The friendship between the two goes back quite a long time.

Their relationship began when they met at one of the many conferences held in the magical world, and became drinking buddies while talking deeply about magic.

However, while the principal's identity was widely known at the time, the real identity of the man who was currently the alchemy professor was unknown.

I didn't really ask.

If you talk to him, you'll find out that he's a good enough wizard to build a relationship with without needing to do any background checks.

That's why.

The reason I held his hand when he came to me one day covered in wounds was…

'What on earth happened?'

The academy's principal still doesn't know the professor's true identity.

I don't know where he got so badly injured, and I don't know if he's going to church to get treatment.

Because I believed that when I was ready, the professor would speak first.

Of course, it doesn't matter if you don't tell me.

The important thing is that the man who had been living like a loser for a while is now living as a proper academy professor.

'but…….'

The emptiness and dark emotions that I occasionally see in the professor's eyes are quite bothersome. It's because they are unstable, unlike the stable reality.

That was when.

dripping.

Someone knocked on the door.

It was not at all uncommon for guests to arrive at this hour.

The two wizards' gazes turned towards the entrance.

“I’ll go out for a bit.”

The professor covered his face again and walked forward, muffling the sound of his footsteps.

I turned the doorknob with my senses sharpened and pulled it… … There was no one. I looked around, but the sound had already disappeared.

Bam.

Something caught my foot.

When I looked down, I saw a sealed letter.

There is no risk.

The professor, confident that it was safe, carefully picked up the letter and went into the house, looking outside once more.

“Who’s outside?”

“There was no one, only a letter. It didn’t say where it was sent.”

“It’s secretive. That’s why it’s suspicious.”

The professor thought so too, so he immediately opened the envelope and inspected the contents.

Inside was something that looked like an invitation.

On the front, a place was briefly written, and on the back───

"uh……."

There was a black hourglass that someone had hand-drawn.

Become familiar with.

A single sentence engraved beneath the tiny symbol-like picture was reflected in the pupils.

───To my dear comrade.

… … bang.

The envelope fell from my suddenly relaxed fingers.

Regardless, the professor stared intently at the nameless letter. His pupils were shaking greatly, but his gaze was straight.

"you……?"

“I’m sorry. I have to go.”

It was disjointed, but he understood what it meant right away. The principal opened his eyes slightly and exhaled.

'As expected, breakups are sudden.'

I would like to hold on to my old drinking buddy and capable professor, but that is not possible.

Look into that professor's eyes.

How could he stop it when it shines so brightly? It must be his precious and longed-for past calling him.

So shouldn't we send it off with a smile?

“I won’t accept your resignation, so come back whenever you want.”

The principal who protects the academy, where talents from all over the continent gather and which is coveted by numerous powers.

He is a magician who pursues romance.

* * *

And an anonymous letter was also delivered to an old magic mercenary who was active in the shadow of Birente, a magical city on the Western Continent.

“…….”

The mercenary, who had been looking at the letter for a while, put down his glass full of alcohol. The cigarette in his mouth quietly burned away.

The young bartender at the regular pub across from me tilted his head as he was washing cups.

“Oh, you’re not drinking anymore today? That’s strange. You came here on a random day and drank the entire bottle as if you were going to die.”

“I thought that if I was drunk when I was dying, it would be a good thing. I secretly hoped for that too, but I was disappointed that I never got to die…….”

The mercenary laughed softly.

“It seems there was a reason why he couldn’t die.”

Clang!

He hit my forehead with a glass.

Glass shards flew everywhere along with the strong and expensive liquor. Red blood flowed from his forehead.

Amidst the confused stares, the mercenary tossed down the crumpled bills and twisted the corners of his mouth.

“I don’t need alcohol today.”

The old mercenary left.

Even his antics were eerie, as if to prove that he was a fearsome wizard on this earth.

So, it must have been the bartender's illusion that the drink soaking the mercenary's head appeared to contain tears.