Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 95

Episode 95: The Ark's Proposal

“When I first heard the news, I was very surprised. That Marquis Gard had committed such a crime and was finished overnight. And one of the people who uncovered it was Asher. And that was because of the request I had arranged… Honestly, I even thought about leaving the duchy.”

But looking at the situation as it was going, it wasn't that bad.

Since Marquis Ravishun himself came forward and presented evidence, the case was closed at the duchy's castle. So the worst-case scenario I thought would not happen.

Of course, it will take a long time to forget the feeling of my heart pounding.

And that wasn't the point.

Pale looked at Verden.

“Mr. Asher, may I ask you a question?”

"okay."

“When you went to attack the Marquis alone… were you confident?”

Yes, I somehow understood why Lorien was saved by subjugating the Soul Tree.

But how could he attack the Marquis alone and kill Rupel? He was one of the top ten knights in the duchy. Not to mention that Marquis Gardran was a strong man who could rival him.

Verden answered that question.

“Of course.”

Well, to tell the truth, Verden was dealing with Gluttony's fangs, not the Marquis.

And if he had only used elemental magic, Verden would have been at a disadvantage. His insane regenerative power was close to immortality.

But if you use Holy Spirit magic, it's different. As long as you use your power, Verden is confident that you can win.

Although he didn't know the details, Pale quickly agreed without asking any further questions.

The opponent was a wizard who was beyond common sense. It was not something that could be forced upon the mind of a criminal. Pale immediately changed the subject.

“I see. Oh, by the way, what brings you to our information center?”

* * *

The reason Verden sought out Pale was simple.

Either buy the information, take on a request, or both.

This time it was both.

“I need information about the craftsman who creates magical items.”

Verden has a new staff member named Oculus.

However, that did not mean that I would postpone using the Orb. No matter how high-level the Rune was, it could not be compared in performance with the Orb.

I had saved up some money, and considering the future earnings, it would have been better to look for it now.

“When you say craftsman… you obviously aren’t talking about an ordinary craftsman, right?”

“At least in that field, someone like Lito Barslan would be good.”

“Well, the hurdles are really high.”

Pale took the papers and looked through them.

Pale, who had been reading several files for a while, shook his head.

“It seems that there is no craftsman within the duchy that would satisfy Lord Asher. If I had to name a better one, it would be the one in the resort city of Brienthe…….”

“I’ve been there before.”

Drunkard Mort. I know he's good at both skills and value for money.

But that's not the level Verden wants. At least he needs someone who can boast that he's the best.

After much thought, Pale came to a conclusion.

“Then there is none in the duchy. At least not unless you go abroad.”

“Are there any overseas?”

“Of course. The principality has been established for less than thirty years. It has only been about fifteen years since public security improved to the same extent as other countries. That is not enough time for a skilled craftsman to establish himself.”

A craftsman needs the right equipment.

Since you can't just move around, it was common sense to find a suitable spot and sit down.

“When you say overseas, which country are you referring to?”

“The Republic of Beldirn is better than the Duchy, but… I heard that there is a famous craftsman called ‘Oesu’ staying in the Kingdom of Estiria.”

Foreign?

wingy?

“You’re making a magical item with one hand?”

“That’s what they say. Rumor has it that they use their entire body, including their mouth, feet, and hands, to make it. However, they say that the finished product is almost like a work of art.”

“Where is the kingdom?”

“I don’t know where he is, but I haven’t heard that he’s gone outside the kingdom. He might be dead. It would be quicker to ask the information dealer in the kingdom.”

“Is there an information center over there too?”

“Of course. This Gray was also born in the kingdom. If you wish, I can connect you with someone I know who has information.”

It's a kingdom.

I had no immediate plans to go abroad… … .

'I think it would be better to go and earn more money first.'

At least enough to cover the production costs.

Verden brought up the subject of a request. But for the first time, Pale refused.

“That… the principality is currently in utter chaos. The reason for this is as you know, Asher… Anyway, for that reason, there aren’t any high-level requests. Whether it’s nobles, merchants, or individuals, they are being very cautious. I believe it will take at least a few months for things to return to normal.”

Verden stroked his chin.

I was so focused on the annoying Gluttony that I didn't even think about this part.

Unable to carry out the request.

So where should I make money?

“Then how about going to the kingdom? In fact, if you only consider the work, the kingdom is much larger than the duchy. The laws are also very lax. Of course, the country itself is more dangerous than the duchy, but that won’t be a problem for you, Asher. My old junior is working as an information agent, so it won’t be too difficult for you to settle down.”

“Junior? How are your skills?”

“Good. In some ways, he is better than me. He also does commissions for Gray like I do, so he will definitely be of help. It wouldn’t be bad to stay until the duchy stabilizes. And since I have some free time now, I plan to expand my activities to the northern part of the duchy.”

Verden's thoughts deepened.

We estimated the pros and cons that would arise from changing the scope of activity to the kingdom.

Then, out of the blue, I remembered the 'auction' that the King had mentioned. I had clearly said that I had obtained the artifact 'Center of the Three Primary Colors' at the auction.

“By the way, I heard there’s something called an auction house in the kingdom.”

“Oh, you mean the auction house that takes place in the underworld? Yes, there is one. It’s illegal, but it’s also a famous attraction in the kingdom.”

When I showed my intention to purchase the information, Pale immediately opened his mouth.

“In the Kingdom of Estyria, there is a place called the City of Pleasure. It is a city of a size comparable to several cities, and underground, there is a city of a similar size.”

“Underground city?”

“The center of the kingdom’s underworld, ‘Roafra’. It is the deepest darkness of the kingdom. There, once a year, in the spring when winter is ending, an auction house is held, and various items such as swords, armor, spears, staffs, and rare magical items are put up for sale. And sometimes, artifacts or similar items come out. Naturally, the prices are astronomically high.”

“How do I get to the auction house?”

“Anyone can enter Loafra, but you need an invitation to participate in the auction. Every year, 80 tickets are released, excluding VIP seats and designated seats, and you can get them from Kingdom Gray. Of course, you have to be very lucky to get them. The most expensive one was sold for 300 million elk.”

That's all you get for one invitation?

I could afford to pay, but it was too much.

“Any other way?

“The connections are solid. The underworld is all about power, money, and connections.”

It's a network.

Verden had no such connections. He had never even entered the kingdom in the first place.

Then Pale said,

“Asher already has connections.”

“……To me? Who?”

“This is Baron Pythe.”

Baron Pythe.

Verden was the first nobleman that he encountered in the Duchy.

* * *

Verden returned to the inn after paying the information fee and became lost in thought.

'What should I do?'

There is currently little that Verden can do in the Duchy.

Since the entire Gray is on high alert, there are no more requests to take. At best, they'll be level 4 or 5 requests based on Pale standards.

That level of compensation is not enough for the current situation. I would rather do personal training.

'In that respect, going to the kingdom has its merits… … .'

Actually, my mind has already made up.

If you don't move, you can't move forward.

That is the basis of growth that Verden believes in. Avoiding newness and being drawn to familiarity is an obstacle to the future.

If you train in a cave for at least half a year, you could probably reach the 5th rank.

But that's not enough.

Colorful experiences, physical rewards, and real strength.

As of now, we need to catch all three of these at the same time.

Because it is more efficient and reliable than anything else. Verden's time in the duchy proves this. It is too early to relax. There is still a long way to go before the goal is achieved.

At that moment, a noise was felt outside the door.

dripping.

A soft knock.

As I opened the door with my telekinesis, a familiar-looking person came in.

“Hello, Asher.”

Listener.

He came to Verden in the same appearance as when he first saw him in Brienthe.

* * *

Verden drew a magic circle and surrounded the entire room with magic.

After making sure there was no sound, the listener and Verden began to converse.

“After the disappearance of the focal point called the Fang, the Ark was able to thoroughly search for and eradicate the remaining Gluttony. It is possible that a very small number of survivors have gone abroad, but it is certain that Gluttony no longer exist within the Duchy.”

The Doctor and the Fang's Subjugation.

It was a huge achievement, although Gluttony's power still remained.

“And Theon has been brought on board temporarily. He has been working as an assassin in Gluttony, and Elder Ren Balhag is personally training him.”

“I thought you were going to execute me.”

“Haha, we are not that cruel. Theon was kidnapped as a child and forcibly made into a member of Gluttony, and he does not have a piece of Gluttony, so we judged that he could be rehabilitated. Of course, if that were not the case, we would have done as Asher said.”

I see.

Well, I guess you'll figure it out.

“By the way, since we’re talking about Gluttony, can I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

“The war 26 years ago. Was Gluttony involved in the Kingdom of Esritia?”

The king had said.

The wizards who used the people as sacrifices and the new prime minister who brought them in suddenly disappeared or died. The moment I heard that, I thought of Gluttony.

That guess was correct.

“That’s right. Gluttony took advantage of the war to infiltrate the kingdom. They received permission from the royal family, and the number of people they used for human experiments was in the tens of thousands. In the end, the captain of the ark personally stepped in, assassinated the prime minister, and succeeded in dealing with Gluttony’s wizards and their test subjects. As a result, all Gluttony in the Kingdom of Estyria were destroyed.”

“Was it also intentional for the Duke of Rivian to declare independence at that time?”

The listener shook his head.

“That is not the case. We are involved in matters related to Gluttony, but it is not the role of the Ark to erase the influence that Gluttony left behind. If we did that, we would have to destroy the kingdom itself. The independence of the principality was a natural phenomenon. However, at the time, we needed to establish a watchdog in case Gluttony was hiding.”

“Are you talking about the Second Prince and Marquis Ravishun?”

“Yes. But that’s not the only reason I recruited you. I accepted you because you have a humane mind and are indifferent to power, unlike your birth family. Even if Gluttony wasn’t there, the Ark would have recruited you, if only because of the time difference.”

The listener asked Verden.

“Then let me ask you this question. Have you thought about the answer?”

“…….”

The Second Prince's Proposal.

After much deliberation, Verden came to a conclusion.

As I was about to open my mouth to answer, the listener raised his hand.

“Before we hear from Asher, I would like to formally make a new proposal to you from the Ark.”

“A new proposal?”

“Yes. Considering the tasks and possibilities that Mr. Asher has accomplished, the captains of the ark, the three elders, and the owner of the ark held a meeting. In conclusion, the majority voted in favor, and so I, as the agent, will convey the ark’s proposal to Mr. Asher.”

The listener's voice became more serious.

“Do you know anything about the Demon King?”

The Dark Lord, Oldark Ruin Arcanad.

As a wizard, there is no one who does not know that name.

A great magician who existed approximately 500 years ago and was the first person in history to reach the 9th level of magic. He is a great man respected by most magicians, and some extreme magicians worship him as a god.

“Why did the Demon King suddenly……”

“We know the location where the Demon King’s tomb is believed to be.”

At that moment, Verden took a step closer.

The tomb of the Demon King? According to history, it is said that he disappeared one day. A tomb?

The fact that the Demon King is dead is not that important.

It is important what the Magic King, the most powerful magician in history, left behind in his tomb.

“Even in the Ark, it is a place specifically designated as an ‘Ancient Trial.’ Several candidates for the Ark have already attempted to conquer it… but not a single one has returned alive.”

“……Where is it?”

“That is the Ark’s proposal.”

The listener said.

“If you can overcome this ancient ordeal, even if you do not enter the ark, I will grant you an ordeal as an exception. And I will also reward you for it.”

It is advantageous to Verden.

Of course, it wouldn't be given without a price.

“What are the conditions?”

“In that case, you will not be able to use the Ark’s information network or its members. You will not be able to use anything except the Trials. In return, Asher will be free from his duties on the Ark. Except for two things.”

“What is that?”

“One is to attend the Ark’s conference once. The other is to save humanity when it is on the brink of extinction.”

Perhaps Verden will become the unparalleled lord of magic.

Because of the rules, there was no way that someone with a high possibility of leading or saving humanity could be missed. That was the Ark's judgment.

Verden was lost in thought.

He then looked at the listener and said.

“I accept it.”

I have no intention of rejecting even this.

To be honest, it was a stupid decision to say no when he wanted to spread it this much.

“So where is it?”

The listener took out a palm-sized jewel.

An oval-shaped blue sapphire, with brass-colored metal surrounding its center like a ring.

“The location is somewhere in the Kingdom of Esritia. If you decipher this artifact, you will see the path. That is all the information we can give you. And the deadline is one year and 63 days. Until the next meeting of the Ark.

The listener walked towards the door and whispered to Verden.

“Then I’ll see you again then. I hope you overcome your ordeal safely.”

The listener bowed his head and said goodbye and went outside.

Verden, who had been standing still, smiled faintly.

'I don't know why the tomb of the Demon King is in the Kingdom of Esritia.'

It seems like I now have one more reason to go to the kingdom.