Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 505

Episode 505: Chapter of Persuasion (1)

A sunny autumn day with warm sunlight and a cool breeze.

“…….”

Cayman Vermont, the first member of the Black Hour, stood near a cliff and looked out over the landscape of the central continent as they made their way to their destination.

It is truly a spectacular sight.

A moment of peace came to my troubled mind.

At that moment, the long shadow stretching behind Cayman stirred. A slow, dark voice rang out.

[My head… is… complicated… .]

Parnium, the highest-ranking demon who made a contract with Cayman and created the passage leading to the Great Hall of the Black Hour.

His fragments read Cayman's mind and whisper.

[If you were going to hesitate so much… … then you should have gone to see your old colleagues… … .]

“I am now moving to carry out the mission entrusted to me by your body. Do you have time for that?”

[If you wish… … it is… … a matter related to him… … also… … .]

The 'one' mentioned by Parnium.

I know who that is.

There is no way I don't know.

Because they were the only guests who had recently passed through Libereas.

Cayman took a deep breath.

“……How can a human who made a contract with the devil to survive return with dignity? If the Luas Church finds out, it will only cause trouble. Above all, I am not a magician.”

[Those close to you… … what you truly desire… … is not a wizard… … but a being called Cayman Vermont… … . You know… … as well… … as you know… … .]

Cayman is trying to deny himself, but deep down he believes that everyone, including Melad, will accept him.

Such a shameless thought was so pathetic that I couldn't help but laugh.

Still, I didn't turn away from my desires.

Since I couldn't dare hide my true feelings from Parnium, who was connected to me by contract anyway… … I expressed my true feelings without hesitation.

“I hope so. No, to be honest, I believe so. If it’s Melad, if it’s our comrades who shared our fond past, then even I, who made a pact with the devil, would accept it.”

but.

“At least for now, there’s no going back.”

Yes, that's right.

Not yet.

Only when they are sure that Cayman Vermont will no longer be a burden to them will they turn back.

It was a determination filled with ugly and selfish sincerity.

“More than that, Parnium, I have a question.”

[what……?]

“What on earth is He, or rather, the Divine, to you? Why is He so kind to you… I don’t understand.”

Originally, Cayman had to create a passage to the Great Hall and then lose control of the soul. There is a price to pay for borrowing the power of a contracted demon.

'But thanks to the intervention of the Divine, not only was the handing over of the soul's control postponed… … I was even given the choice to refuse to pay the price in the presence of the devil and the Divine.'

As a Cayman, he literally owed his life to the Divine, but in fact, the doubt lingered in his mind even more.

Because I've never heard of a devil showing kindness first.

To this Parnium answered:

[Because he is the only one… … .]

“The only……?”

[Anything more than this… is taboo.]

Parnium enforced silence.

At first, it was impossible to even guess what that taboo meant.

However, it seems clear that there is some law in this world that even the highest demons, such as Parnium, fear.

'Maybe, as we move forward, we'll find out.'

Cayman frowned and looked up at the high rising sun, drawing strength from it.

That's it for the break.

Without hesitation, he hit the ground and fell down the cliff, setting foot on a new area.

In order to gather information regarding the demonic curse that resided on the human face, which the Divine had previously requested separately… … .

You must find traces of the great parasitic demon, Ifeakarn, who has not been seen on the continent for over 600 years.

* * *

Emotions are inherently dull, like rusted metal, as time passes.

It's a kind of habit.

To abstain from food and drink and just sit there in sorrow when faced with sad news such as the death of a close friend is an act of killing oneself.

That is why, in order to survive, beings with feelings instinctively fade their memories, gradually killing off the emotions they find difficult to handle.

In the end, it feels like a fleeting nightmare.

but.

Despite such instinctive efforts, emotions can boil over again due to the smallest of triggers.

If you can kill your emotions to live, you can also kill your emotions to live.

In essence, emotions are the fuel and driving force that drives life. This is how unfathomable the mind is.

So how would you react if you heard the news that a loved one you thought was dead was alive?

What's more, if you see that person disabled, confined to a wheelchair, smiling with a thinner face than before…

The emotions that have returned to the light are stirred.

It's the same for everyone.

'Aldenis', who was in charge of alchemy at the academy in a large city.

'Grave Ludworth', who lived as a mercenary in the shadows of the magical city.

The four who first heard the news of Melad's survival, like the two former high-ranking executives of the Black Hour above… … and the eleven members who had joined Melad long ago, could not hold back their sorrow and emotion.

Alderis asks Melard.

“Is there no way to treat that leg?”

“Because Dahit’s flames are fierce.”

That day, the flames of annihilation permanently damaged the functions of Melad's spine and burned away the magical circuits in his lower body.

Even if the Archbishop of the Church of Luas were to perform a miracle, healing would be impossible. That would be annihilation.

Of course, it would be possible for the Pope or a saint… … but since they have never performed miracles upon private request since ancient times, there is no way.

“It’s not so bad though. I’ve gotten used to this life now. But are you okay with the scars on your face?”

“Oh, this is it?”

Alderney's disguise from when he was a professor was removed, revealing the horrific burn scars that covered more than half of his face.

This was a past injury sustained by the flames of Carindin Lerhar, one of the first members to betray the Black Hour, whom Adrian and Isabella had faced in the Great Hall.

In the process of shaking off Black Hour's pursuit.

“…….”

Melad chewed his lip.

Guilt is creeping in.

Dahit was her co-disciple, and Karindin was her friend.

Then Alderney shrugged his shoulders and tapped his face with his hand as if nothing had happened.

“As you can see, there is no problem. It may look ugly on the outside, but it is fine on the inside.”

“Aldenis…….”

“It’s not your fault. So please don’t make that face.”

Alderis smiled sincerely and soothed Melad, then turned his head to the side. There were still more people to greet.

At the same time, to the 11 people on the left who arrived here, at the Lagas Plateau.

“I’m glad to be alive.”

“That’s what we have to say, Alderneys.”

The old Black Hour wizards bowed their heads slightly to their superiors.

Grave, who was next to Alderis, shrugged his shoulders and raised the corners of his mouth.

“Haha, you’ve got wrinkles that no one has ever seen before. And you’ve gotten older too, Ophae.”

“Yes. How much time has passed, Mr. Grave? Well, should I call you Grandpa Grave now?”

'Ofea Rogentena', who was at the forefront of the 11 people, laughed and made a joke.

She was once the youngest member of Black Hour, but now she was middle-aged. Her youthful appearance had disappeared and she was beginning to show a kindness.

“But are you all there?”

“……Yes.”

The old comrade behind Ophea shook his head with difficulty.

When 34 people who had previously rejected the rule of Dahit Westroel attempted to escape and escape the Black Hour siege, four were killed.

As promised, when everyone dispersed and tried to shake off the pursuit, five people lost their lives.

And over the years, five more deaths have been confirmed, with the remaining three unknown as to whether they are alive or dead.

Here, life or death was unknown, meaning that the whereabouts could not be determined.

It has been over ten years since the Society's own power was used, and even though the Guardian Sage used the Ostea Tower's information network, it has not been found.

If he wasn't hiding his whereabouts through some sort of high-level magic circle like Harkan, he would be buried in the dirt by now.

As a result, there are 17 people left.

“There have been many deaths in the meantime. It must have been painful, right……?”

Ophea pursed her lips and her eyes were red. Tears flowed. She was the youngest and most active, so she was sensitive to emotions.

It's still like that now.

A pain that I thought I had overcome long ago suddenly popped up again.

The reason that Ophea did not collapse was thanks to the comrades who were there.

“Everyone will be comfortable now.”

Grave patted Ophea's small shoulder, his hands covered in scars and calluses.

Grave opened his mouth, facing Melard politely again.

“What happened to everyone else?”

“Cayman and I survived.”

“That means…….”

“Not long after we escaped from the Great Hall, ‘Linder’ passed away at my side, and Harkan passed away the year before last.”

The original members consisted of a total of eight people.

Two of them joined Dahith Westroel's betrayal.

Two people, including the leader, were murdered by Dahit in front of everyone.

Half of the four survivors died from the aftereffects.

Now, the only wizards who led the creation and original heyday of Black Hour were two people, excluding the traitor.

* * *

Ugh.

Grave clenched his molars hard and then barely released them.

“But… it seems like Lord Cayman isn’t here. Could it be that he’s unable to move?”

“No, he has other pressing matters to attend to and will not be with us for some time. Don’t worry, he is not in any danger.”

Melad calmed Cayman's concerns by assuring him of his safety.

Berden, who was watching their conversation, thought.

'I guess Cayman hasn't told you yet.'

If things had gone as planned, Cayman would have lost control of his soul to the demon he had contracted with immediately after opening the entrance to the Great Hall.

He didn't say a word about it, even asking the devil to lie about it, because it was clear that Melad would try to intervene.

But not anymore.

The demons of Libereas showed Verden an inexplicable favor, and Verden, who did not refuse them, demanded that Cayman postpone the performance of his contract with the demons.

And the demon, or rather the archdemon, Noxias, showed his willingness to accept.

It can't be a lie.

Otherwise, there would have been no reason to come closer and show goodwill. Verden remembers the tears the demons shed.

'In effect, Cayman has gained his freedom. But if he didn't tell Melard… … does that mean he has some personal business left to do?'

If not, you may just need some time to gather your thoughts.

───I am no longer a wizard.

Cayman was pessimistic about his situation as he had made a pact with the devil.

I had a feeling he would join someday, but not now.

Meanwhile, the reunion of the old Black Hour began to flow into a full-fledged topic.

Melard said.

“I think everyone heard the general story when they came here.”

“Yes, I heard from my friend Ethan, who is a disciple of Master Melad. He said that Master Melad has created a new group of wizards.”

Of course, it wasn't a direct reference to the Society. That was Melad Tastyen's role.

“I wish you had called us earlier, if possible.”

“……I didn’t want to ruin the new life you had just barely earned.”

The eleven defeated soldiers that Melad had first contacted were already in a state of mental breakdown. It seemed as if they would die at any moment if they did not take his hand.

But the other six were different.

Grave rose to prominence as a mercenary in the magical city, while Alderney was appointed to a professorship at the academy.

Among the other four, some were married and had families.

Melad didn't have the courage to call out those comrades.

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it.”

The six wizards who came running as soon as they received the letter from Melad, although they had grown older, had the same look in their eyes as before.

It was just like back then, when we studied magic together.

Alderney answered on behalf of six people, including himself.

“I hope you understand. I will forgive you especially this time. But why did you suddenly decide to call us? It doesn’t seem like it was a simple change of heart.”

“Things have changed recently.”

"situation……?"

“That is why I thought I had to tell you, of all people.”

Amid the questions that were coming towards him, Melad declared in a strong tone.

“We want to reclaim the Black Hour.”

“……!!!”

The eleven people who had heard the news in advance because they were members of the society nodded their heads with firm determination.

Of course, the other six were different.

Everyone looked at her with an expression of astonishment.

Someone's voice trembled.

“Oh, Lord Melad. That is…….”

“In the past, we were defeated miserably by Dahit Wesroel, who had become a transcendent being. But this time, it will be different. Not only will we not be taken by surprise like that time, but there will be a central figure here to replace the leader who was killed by Dahit.”

Melad moved the wheels of the wheelchair.

At the same time, as people moved out of their seats, Verden, who was behind them, became clearly visible.

“Let me introduce you to the new successor to Black Hour.”

* * *

Verden didn't hide his appearance, but it was difficult to immediately recall that he was the so-called divine being of the Eastern Continent based on his features alone.

Naturally, the fact that he was related to Black Hour was completely unknown to the world.

Verden smiled inwardly.

'As expected, the reaction is fierce.'

When Melad mentioned his successor, the first emotion that came to mind was not joy or excitement.

That was intense hostility.

As a joint disciple of the first member and the one who was designated as the next leader of Black Hour, the tragedy committed by Dahit struck the minds of the defeated soldiers.

“Mr. Melad.”

Grave's eyes were bloodshot.

“Are you going to leave the fate of Black Hour to someone else? That’s……!”

“I know what you are thinking. I also remember that day vividly. How the faith and trust I had given you without reservation was betrayed…. Even so, Cayman and I acknowledged him.”

Before I could ask anything, Melad pulled out the [Eternal Hourglass] from his sleeve and showed it to me.

The wide-open eyes gathered together.

Artifacts that everyone had researched one by one… … The symbol of Black Hour that should have been in the Great Hall made everyone shut their mouths.

“He took the [Eternal Hourglass] from the deepest part of the Great Hall, despite Dahit’s attempts to block it. He risked his life. All I could do was watch.”

“That, but.”

“And not someone else.”

Melad said softly.

“He is the sage Harkan Dajest’s last words before he died.”

At that moment, silence fell.

The name Harkan is by no means light in Black Hour.

As a fifth-tier magician, being ranked lower among the original eight members could not be considered a flaw.

At that time, there was literally no one among the Black Hour who did not receive help and teachings from Harkan.

He was an idol and an object of respect.

“Lord Harkan…… the whole person.”

As Aldernis muttered the name again, the hostility naturally began to disappear. The way he looked at Verden changed significantly.

However, it was not an atmosphere that was easily accepted.

Kwak.

Grave clenched his fists and took a step away from the place for a moment. He took a thick stick of tobacco from his bosom, lit it, and started smoking it.

It was a habit I had developed while living as a mercenary, to clear my head.

How much time has passed?

Graves spoke first.

“When I was wandering, I swore to die for the Black Hour… for the first member who guided me. I still feel the same way. However, that doesn’t mean I can trust someone I’ve just met for the first time just by hearing what Mr. Melad has to say.”

“I know.”

“So───”

Grave turned around.

A sharp gaze was fixed on Verden.

“You must prove to us that you are worthy of our deaths….”

The remnants of Black Hour demand proof.

It's a natural order.

It is no easy task to win back the heart of a wizard who has lost everything through betrayal.

Verden had already expected it.

And… …I know how and who will react to that demand.

“That’s funny.”

Adrian moved in front of everyone.

Profit.

He bent his finger and crushed the wick of the cigarette Grave was holding. Adrian looked down at the rising smoke.

“You guys have to prove it.”

Wiggle.

Grave, a former senior executive of Black Hour, furrowed his eyebrows.