Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 51

Episode 51: The Forest of Demons (2)

“Haha, I was disguised perfectly on the outside, but how did you know it was me and use your magic sense…. You’re a magician, so you really have good intuition.”

The listener sat opposite Verden.

At that moment, he changed into something other than his employee uniform, took out food from under the cart, and placed it on the table, so he looked like a customer.

'Is it some kind of magical item?'

Or maybe it's an artifact.

Being able to change your appearance in an instant seems like a very useful thing.

“But your face doesn’t change?”

“Why do you assume that the face you saw in Brienthe is my real face? Well, if that’s what you like, I can change you into a man, but-.”

“…….”

“I’m joking. I’m just trying to lighten the mood, so please take some of your magic power off.”

The listener cleared his throat and continued speaking.

“Ahem, let’s stop talking about my appearance and start eating. The chef here is quite skilled.”

The listener cut the steak and put it in his mouth.

Berden, who had been staring at him blankly, sighed softly and picked up his plate. The taste was edible. With tea and cake for dessert in front of him, the listener placed a small device on the table.

“……Is this a magical item from Artesan’s Tower?”

“You know a lot. This is an item called ‘Noise’ that is sold at a high price at the Artesan Tower. Its performance is as good as its price.”

While Bohemian Tower specializes in the elemental series, Artesian Tower specializes in the production of various magical items.

As the noise was activated, the flowing magical power distorted the surrounding air.

With this, the conversation between Verden and the listener does not leak out.

The listener folded his fingers and smiled slightly.

“First of all, I would like to thank you for coming. To be honest, I was worried that Asher would not come to Lorien. As I said last time, from my perspective of recruiting new recruits for the Ark, Asher is a suitable… no, an excellent talent.”

It is suitable.

That was the listener's assessment of Verden, who had disembarked from the ark just a month ago.

However, the listener who met Verden in Briente had no choice but to immediately revise his evaluation.

The vast and deep magical power that overpowered him… … Of course, there are beings with that amount of magical power all over the world, but they are all known as powerful magicians.

That means that the ashen wizard in front of you has at least reached a level comparable to theirs in terms of magical power.

I don't know the exact level, but it's definitely a talent that shouldn't be there at that age. Even more so when you consider the potential for future growth.

I know he has no intention of coming to the ark, but he may change his mind later. This position is a stepping stone to increase that possibility.

“Okay, let’s get down to business. Where should we start? The origin of the ark? Or the purpose of the ark? If you don’t like long-winded questions, a Q&A format would be fine. Since Asher is here, it means that there is something you want to know about the ark.”

“Does it have to be a question about the ark?”

“If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Of course, please understand that I cannot answer all of your questions.”

It doesn't matter.

After all, aside from the information about the ark, there was only one question he wanted to ask.

“Then ask.”

Verden asked softly, his throat moistened with tea.

“Devil’s Forest, what on earth is there?”

A dark forest where not a single ray of sunlight reaches.

The ominous feeling I felt there wasn't something I could simply ignore. Since there was no evidence, I could only explain it as a feeling, but that's why I needed to check it out.

Gray tree.

Clearly, there is a possibility that something related to it, something that could threaten the current Verden, might be hiding in the Devil's Forest.

There was no significant information to be gained from Count Rodenmeyer and Pale.

If they had known something in the first place, the count would not have gone missing. As of now, the only person who could give Verden a clue was the listener.

The listener who was asked the question opened his eyes wide in surprise.

Then he let out a small exclamation and smiled even more deeply.

“The Devil’s Forest… why are you asking me that?”

“Because you’re the only one I can ask.”

“Is it just a feeling? I thought Mr. Asher was more of an evidentialist.”

“That doesn’t mean we rule out intuition.”

Besides, it doesn't cost anything to ask a question.

“What’s the answer?”

“Haha, as I said before, Asher-sama has a very good intuition. Yes, I will answer. After all, the reason I met Asher-sama here in Lorien is deeply related to the Demon Forest. But before that, you need to understand the ideology and purpose of the Ark.”

“Ideology and purpose?”

The listener cut the cake into bite-sized pieces and put them in his mouth.

“As I said last time, the ideology of the Ark is that ‘humans become stronger through trials.’ However, these trials are not simple. They are related to small things such as one’s own life, large things such as a city or a country, and even larger things such as the world.”

“…….”

“If you overcome such trials and survive, you will inevitably receive the world’s attention. You will become a more important being. A being fit to be the ‘captain’ who will lead humanity in the future.”

The listener's voice was serious and powerful.

On the surface, things looked hopeful.

But Verden felt differently.

“……Does that mean being in the Demon Forest is also a type of trial?”

“That is correct.”

“What happens if I fail the trial?”

Just as where there is light there is also shadow, where there is success there is also failure.

The listener put down his teacup at Verden's question.

“We will die. Sometimes villages will be annihilated, cities will collapse, and entire nations will perish. Maybe even the world.”

“Is that the ideology that the Ark speaks of?”

“Mr. Asher, make no mistake. We are a group for the weak ‘species’ of humanity, not the guardians of all humanity. Our job is to find candidates and put them through trials so that they can become better beings. We are by no means a shield to weed out humanity in peace.”

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

No sound was heard, but the people around felt an inexplicable chill.

Verden looked into the listener's eyes.

“Even if countless people die?”

“The ark exists to prevent that from happening.”

and.

“We don’t create trials. They are the various dangers that lurk in the world. The Ark analyzes and predicts those dangers, identifies where and what will happen, and then leads the candidates for the Ark to those places.”

Verden's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

That meant that the Ark's information network was spread all over the world. It made me even more wary that it had such power but its name had not been known to the world until now.

'Maybe more dangerous than the black hour.'

For now, Verden decided it was better to maintain his current attitude.

To keep a certain distance without being unconditionally hostile. Although their identity is unclear, it is clear that they have good intentions towards you.

“So, what is the ordeal?”

“I can’t answer that. The captain that the ark wants is someone who can overcome even sudden trials and is prepared for all situations. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the candidates are given ‘trials that they absolutely cannot handle.’ It would be putting the cart before the horse if they were trampled before they could sprout.”

The listener, who had been eating dessert in between, wiped his lips with a napkin.

“Asher mainly receives compensation through commissions and focuses on self-development. Oh, this is information I gathered before I met Asher in Brienthe, so I hope you don’t misunderstand. As promised, I haven’t pursued Asher since then. Anyway, in that sense, I would like to make a suggestion.”

"……proposal?"

“You could see it as a kind of request rather than a proposal.”

The listener continued speaking slowly.

“Asher, do you have any intention of taking on this ordeal?”

“Didn’t you say that trials were prepared for the candidates chosen by the ark?”

“Basically, yes. But that’s not necessarily the case. Our purpose is to cultivate saviors who will lead humanity, not to increase the power of the ark. Even if you are not a candidate for the ark, we can give you plenty of opportunities to challenge the trials. Of course, this is not an offer for just anyone.”

“What about the existing candidates?”

“Originally, the trials in this Demon Forest were prepared for ‘her.’ However, it doesn’t matter if one more person is added. Just because it’s a trial doesn’t mean it has to be overcome alone. Aren’t humans originally creatures that are motivated by cooperation and coexistence?”

'Her?'

And then Verden made a displeased expression on his face.

“It’s as if you’re sure I’ll get the job.”

“Haha, well, I just do my best in the role I’m given. First, take a look at this.”

The listener placed a small bag and a vial containing clear liquid on the desk.

“As you can see, there are two rewards for Asher. One is a ‘space bag’ and the other is a ‘Mandrake extract.’”

A space bag is a magical item in the form of a bag that grants space expansion.

The space series, like the lightning series, is a magic that is located at the upper attribute. The price varies depending on the size of the space or the limit of the bounds, but it has a value of at least hundreds of millions.

Even if it's the lowest level Verden, which doesn't have a particularly large load, it can still be useful.

'And the other one is… … .'

uh?

“Wait. What did you just say? A mandrake?”

“Yes. What we have here is a 100% pure extract from that mandrake, without any impurities.”

“……Can I check?”

“Of course. Of course.”

Verden opened the bottle of medicine.

A refreshing yet bitter scent that spreads in an instant. Just smelling it clears my mind and an indescribable sense of refreshment spreads through my chest.

An undeniable, authentic product.

'How can this… … .'

It's almost impossible to obtain since it's an item that is exclusively owned by the Magic Tower.

That's why Verden couldn't help but be astonished at the listener's next words.

“I see you like it. If you wish, I can pay you these two fees in advance.”

“…….”

Verden closed the cork without saying a word.

Knock knock knock.

He quickly tapped his fingers on the desk and then opened his mouth.

“I can understand the space bag. But you’re not only offering the mandrake extract as compensation, but you’re giving it to me in advance? No matter how much I think about it, I can’t understand it. What on earth are you planning?”

“I hope you see this as an effort to build up our lack of credit. Our ark is kind to Asher, but Asher is suspicious of us. Isn’t it the case that the person who is in need is the one who makes the first move?”

“What if I don’t take on the challenge with the reward?”

“I’m giving it to you with that in mind.”

The listener and Verden's gaze crossed.

“We only guide, never force. Whether you take the reward and run away from the ordeal, the choice is entirely yours, Asher. If you don’t like it, you can refuse. The space bag and mandrake extract are considered bad investments.”

but.

“For those who seek power, more strength. For those who have faith, more conviction. As always, those who overcome trials are reborn as beings who are more excellent than before. We do not know what Asher is dreaming of, but we can confidently say that trials can become a stepping stone to him.”

Of course, it can be a cliff. That's why it's an ordeal.

Humans evolve by challenging and overcoming challenges. It is natural that there will be risks along the way, and only a handful can reach the end.

However, opportunities will never come to those who are content with reality. They will simply be eliminated.

Most humans are like that. They need a 'captain' to lead them because they lack the courage to move forward into an uncertain future.

That's why the ark was born.

The listener stood up.

“If you wait in Lorien, you will soon learn what the Ordeal is, even if you do not wish to know. So if you intend to refuse, you had better leave this city immediately. You will surely be caught up in it.”

“…….”

Verden responded with silence.

The grinning listener waved his hand slightly and his appearance changed to that of the man he had seen in Brienthe.

And the essence of the magical power was disrupted and soon changed into a completely different form. In an instant, both externally and magically, he became a completely different person.

“Then goodbye.”

Verden looked at the back of the departing listener.

The skill the listener had displayed at the end was astounding, but his mind was now occupied with other thoughts.

Verden stared at the small vial in front of him.

'Mandrake extract.'

The absorption rate varies depending on one's natural talent, and the more one takes, the more the efficiency drops, but simply drinking it increases one's magical power and expands one's magical power circuit.

Without any effort or side effects.

'And the key ingredient of one of the high-level elixirs, 'Ma-Nuclear.'

In any case, it is no exaggeration to say that it is a treasure in itself for a wizard who wishes to 'grow'.

But of course, it is as difficult to obtain as it is effective.

Unless it is a fully grown mandrake, it will wither in an instant, so it is a variety that is impossible to cultivate artificially.

The average number of mandrakes found in nature each year is 14 worldwide.

One of the ten magic towers is monopolized, and the rest are barely released into the market, and even those end up in the hands of those in power. Most people usually never get to see it in their entire lives.

Since it was stored on the top floor of the Bohemian Tower, even Verden had never seen it. All he could do was distinguish the characteristics of the mandrake based on the knowledge he had accumulated so far.

But he handed it over to me without any collateral, saying it was prepaid.

'These guys are just incomprehensible.'

The ark's ideology, purpose, and significance as told by the listener.

I vaguely learned about the organization called Ark, but it was even more so because I had no idea what they would gain by saving humanity.

Verden leaned back against the backrest.

“……It’s a choice.”

Either run away with the reward or take on the challenge.

If you choose the former, you will get these precious rewards without any loss.

Instead, the relationship with the Ark will also be cut off. The goodwill shown has been completely ignored. If you only consider the pros and cons, it is not a bad choice for Verden.

“But that can’t be.”

First, the benefits that can be gained by continuing the relationship with the Ark.

I was quite intrigued by the listener's statement that he could give more than just the Mandrake extract. It meant that the favor shown by the Ark was attractive to him.

'And pride as a wizard.'

How ugly it would be to run away from the city, afraid of trials, with only a salary.

Verden never wanted to leave such a stain on his life as a wizard. If he walked that path even once, he would only end up walking that path again when the same situation arose.

So I chose it.

I'm talking about options that will get you closer to your goals.

'All of this is for my growth.'

Verden stood up from his seat.

And after a while, the ordeal came.

* * *

Fighter Bardel.

He was a platinum-rank adventurer and a veteran of many battles.

But even he couldn't help but be shocked by the current situation.

“So many different species……!”

“Cut from the stem! Cut from the stem!”

“Rudnia! What are you doing! Burn it all down quickly!”

The entire forest is Trent's lair.

Although the adventurers were banding together to respond, there were too many of them. Strangely distorted trees were writhing and stretching out their trunks.

Bardel grabbed it, pulled the tree back, and cut it in two with one stroke.

“Watch your step! There are a lot of them, but if you watch out for surprise attacks, you can escape!”

They originally set out to find the missing adventurers, but with these numbers, their firepower is insufficient.

We must return to Lorien, devise a plan, and gather together everyone who can help, including adventurers and mercenaries.

Especially wizards.

Saaaaa… … .

At that moment, a thick ghostly scent was felt from deep within the forest.

The creepy sensation made every nerve in his body stand on end. Bardell, who had annihilated the surrounding Trents, swallowed and gripped the handle of his sword tightly.

‘What is it this time… …!’

And then it appeared.

Gray roots crawling through the pitch-black darkness. But there was something wrapped around the end of them.

“Those, those, aren’t they the missing adventurers?”

“Ollie? He’s Ollie!”

The missing adventurers were wrapped around the root tip.

For a moment, I thought they were still alive, but only for a moment. All of their necks were twisted in a strange direction, and their eyes were all white.

'Wait a minute, what about the roots that deal with dead bodies…?'

I remembered.

Bardel, his eyes wide open, immediately shouted.

“It’s the Soul Tree! Never come into contact with the corpses! The wizards, make an escape route immediately, and the others, protect the wizards! Anyone, go to the city immediately and report the current situation!”

Soul tree.

A heteromorph that grows by capturing living things and feeding off their life force. The level of danger when first born is not much different from that of Trent.

However, the overall risk level determined by the Adventurer's Guild is comparable to that of a special entity.

'So many corpses? Could it be that they ate all the adventurers who went missing during that time?'

It was clearly visible to Bardel's eyes, which were focused on the energy.

Three times the size of a normal trout, with numerous corpses hanging from each branch. Anyone with a weak mind who approaches will instantly lose their senses due to the screams of the dead.

What would happen if it went to the city?

Clearly a tragedy will occur.

“I can’t leave it like that.”

Bardel can't kill all of these by himself.

But it would buy the adventurers time to escape. He was confident of one thing: surviving.

Red energy began to swirl and form on the blade.

'Hold on.'

Until the adventurers arrive in the city and the rescue force arrives.

Even if he didn't come, Bardel couldn't back down.

Because he was an adventurer.

Dozens of trouts approached Bardel, and white eyes descended from the gray roots.

Finally, their mouths opened and a terrible scream erupted.