Chapter 48: I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy
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Chapter 48: I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy
I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy
Time remaining until the first class 4 days.
===============================================================
Alexon. The one who came closest to the throne of the Mercenary King. The Knight Crusher. The Weapon Master.
Among those who lived by the blade in the current era, there was no one who did not know his name. He always fought on the front lines with his axe and although he might have gained scars, he had never lost.
Just listing the Black Wizards whose heads were taken by his axe revealed why Alexons fame resounded throughout the world. Leather Thief, Evil Landkeeper, Bloodline Blade.
Above all, the reason he was respected was that he always kept true to his faith and moral values even on the merciless battlefield. He never abandoned his comrades and stayed behind if someone was needed to buy time. He was always the first to face danger and led those who were lacking.
It was a famous story that he became hostile to one of the Grand Dukes territories to keep his loyalty to the mercenary group under his command. He always cherished his own people. Unconditionally.
That was why
Entering as Alexons disciple could be the best cover one could ask for.
===============================================================
Bennett Helton. A 2nd-Year at the Academy. His main weapon was a longsword.
After enrolling, he stood out among the students with his excellent physical abilities and swordsmanship overflowing with killing intent. Thus, he caught Alexons eye and was able to form a loose master-disciple relationship. This relationship had continued to this day.
This was all planned.
After closely analyzing Alexon personality and concluding that he enjoyed giving advice to others, Bennett approached him with deliberately batshit crazy swordsmanship. It was an effective strategy.
Although Alexons main weapon was an axe, he was proficient with many weapons. Attempting to deceive him clumsily would only earn a comment like, Why are you deliberately swinging your sword so strangely?, and arouse suspicion.
Therefore, Bennett did his best to learn swordsmanship in an odd manner. He studied the swordsmanship manual of a maniac on his own without taking a swordsmanship instructor. Was it because his efforts were so extensive that it had practically reached the sky?
Alexon wanted to correct Bennetts swordsmanship, which had grown deformed because he swung with killing intent. Of course, Bennett did not miss the opportunity to build a connection. He swung his sword until his hands were about to break. Alexon was very pleased with his perseverance and tenacity.
With that, he had acquired a reliable shield at the Academy.
When his disciple received a wrongful accusation, Alexon would protect him until the truth had been ascertained. Moreover, he would even smooth over a minor accusation as a misunderstanding.
As such, even if something went wrong and Bennett was discovered to be a Black WizardIt was at least possible for Alexon to buy time for him. And that would be a huge help to the plan.
The day of reckoning was approaching.
Black Wizards who had infiltrated the Academy would install magic circles throughout its grounds by the designated date. With that, they would cause disturbances behind the scenes and fuel the students fear and anxiety. If their identity was not revealed, they would operate in secret; if revealed, they would cause maximum casualties.
It would serve as fertilizer for the Grand Magic that the Black Wizard commanding this raid, Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear, would castNightmare Summon.
She could absorb the negative emotions of humans to enhance the power of her magic one step further. The gloomier and darker the atmosphere of the Academy, the stronger she would become.
Already, the atmosphere at the Academy was far from pleasing.
There were conflicts between the two factions, students grinding their teeth in endless competition, teaching assistants being cut at the ankles for the sake of a professors achievement, and those living without entertainment and pleasure; they were all under enough stress to explode if prodded.
Naturally, the darkening atmosphere of the Academy was thanks to the large magic circle affecting the entire Academy, meticulously completed in small amounts by the Black Wizards who had infiltrated and been discovered repeatedly over 30 years. This magic circle subtly stimulated the biggest emotions within every living creature in range.
The rumors spread cunningly by the Black Wizards also played a part. Like the horror story that an individual with a high-status requested the murder and removal of a student they did not like.
A little more instigation would do the trick. Just a bit more.
While dressed in an Academy uniform, Bennett Helton had a longsword hanging from his left waist. Today, he was summoned by Alexon. As such, he was on his way to the professors residential area. He didnt know what the matter was, but it was a critical time.
Before leaving the dormitory, Bennett looked at his reflection in the mirror. He saw his dull grey hair and the gruesome scar covering half of his face. Also, his blind eye. The scar was a memory. Every time Bennett looked in the mirror, he could vividly recall his deep-seated grudge.
There were many strong-willed people at the Academy. But the reason why Bennett was accepted by Alexon even among them might be because they both shared the fate of losing one eye, thus fostering a sense of kinship. Or at least, that was what he thought.
Perhaps it would be better to increase intimacy with Alexon a bit more before the day of reckoning.
===============================================================
Youre here, Bennett!
A voice loud enough to feel its resonance greeted Bennett. Alexons residence was a neatly decorated, modest-sized detached house. The furniture inside was arranged with precise, neat angles.
Judging by his appearance alone, a large tent or a hut with a barbaric vibe would have seemed more fitting. However, Alexon was a man of delicate tastes, contrary to his looks.
Did you call for me, Master?
Yes, I did. Its nothing special. I just found someone suitable to be your Master.
Bennetts vigilance heightened immediately. To think that he was finding a different Master for him, so out of the blue. Had he made some sort of mistake? Or was Alexon planning to leave the Academy?
HAHAHA! Dont make such a face, Bennett! I truly mean what I said! I found someone from whom you could learn from.
Bang!
Alexon, with his rough hand akin to a pot lid, thumped Bennett on the back. Bennett thought that if he got hit like that three more times, he would become incapable of any sort of combat. He seriously wondered if this was a ploy to lower his guard and then inflict damage on him.
Alexon rubbed his bushy beard with his hand. It was a habit of his whenever he was pondering or reminiscing.
Theres a rule in the Academy that Countermeasures to Illusion Magic must be taught no matter what. But since the previous Professor left due to an unfortunate incidentWe had to find a new one.
I see.
I was thinking of requesting a professor from the Purple Magic Tower. Someone with rich practical experience and a long career, you see. Puppet Lorei, known for her remarkable character, was a candidate. So was Charlie of Pain, who, despite his infamous reputation, would have been perfect as a professor.
.
The wizard from the Purple Magic Tower If Alexon held him in such high regard, then he definitely posed a variable to the plan. It was necessary to investigate and inform the infiltrated Black Wizards. If he posed a problem, prioritizing his removal might be necessary.
As Bennett looked at Alexon, who was seemingly enveloped in a sense of emptiness, he blurted out without thinking.
But still, I only have one Master.
You punk
Alexons expression brightened slightly. Bennett bowed low and left Alexons residence.
Alexons social standing remained unchanged. He still provided good cover and a solid shield. Hence, offering comforting words to a disheartened Alexon wasprobably necessary for the plan.
===============================================================
The information Bennett scraped together from the Black Wizards and his classmates was as follows.
Name Unknown.
Age Unknown.
Purple Magic Tower Affiliation.
The Star Disciple of the Purple Magic Tower Master.
Has the Second Prince as a backer.
Seen being pampered by a female butler dressed in a formal suit.
Involved in a love triangle between said female butler and a female student of the Academy.
Visited the womens underwear shop within the school grounds as soon as he entered the Academy.
Spotted engaging in suspicious activities at several locations within the Academy.
Testimony of being witnessed leaving the professors residential area and moving south the night before.
.
Bennett decided to report to the higher-ups, labeling the subject in question as a lecher. That with such an openly lascivious character, honey traps might be effective.
Suspicious activities, they say
Direct contact with him was postponed. For now, Bennett intended to investigate what the Purple Tower Wizard was plotting within the Academy. By that, he meant tonight, when everyone else was fast asleep.
Bennett closed his eyes and felt around the contours of his soul. And then, he cautiously tore off a corner. A brief, heart-wrenching pain passed, leaving a massive amount of mana at his fingertips.
The soul and the body were closely linked. If the soul was harmed, the body, too, suffered. Thus, using ones own soul as material for casting Black Magic inevitably shortened ones lifespan.
Bennett always hesitated whenever he used Black Magic with his soul.
But after reminding himself that everything he once had was consumed in a blaze anywayThat nothing was left but the mere ashes in his hands, courage would swell within him. The courage to do whatever it took to complete the plan.
Burnt Offering Tracing the Past.
The magic, enhanced by the consumption of his soul, unleashed a whirl of mana that settled into Bennets eyes. He spat the rising bile and blood into a trash can.
Though he had lost about three years of his lifespan just now, it didnt matter if it meant fulfilling the plan.
The magic that would usually show 1 minute into the past was now enhanced, revealing the scene from a day ago in vivid detail. Bennett followed the illusion of a wizard wearing a hood and a beauty dressed in a suit.
He arrived at a clearing in the lecture facility area.
He caught the image of the wizard burying something in the ground with a shovel. After surveying the surroundings and confirming no one was around, Bennett used magic to quickly dig up the soil.
A sword?
A plain-looking sword was buried in that spot.
It was unlikely they had come out in the dead of night in the rain, at that, just to dispose of trash. Moreover, they used a shovel. To leave no magical trace, presumably. Such meticulous action suggested it wasnt just any ordinary sword.
Bennett, suspecting as much, lightly cut his palm with the sword.
Blood dripped down. And then, the Demonic Sword, absorbing the blood, woke from its hibernation mode.
The sword was designed to awaken immediately upon detecting blood. The reason for this was to prevent someone from going I should feed the Demonic Sword and start killing civilians.
-Are you my new Master? To think that you would awak.
Artifact Seal of the Marsh Devil.
After confirming it was a Demonic Sword, Bennett immediately sealed it. He then strapped the sword to his waist. He couldnt risk being discovered by someone.
Blatantly expressing his carnal desires for women, backed by the Second Prince, possessing the wisdom to defeat Alexon in a duel of words, and hiding a Demonic Sword in the Academy
Was he also a Black Wizard?
Bennett considered the possibility that this was a higher-ranked Black Wizard dispatched by Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear for the completion of the plan.
The Black Wizard community was structured in cells. Bennett could only communicate with his superiors and had no way of knowing who else among the Academy was a disguised Black Wizard. Therefore, it was impossible to immediately ascertain whether the wizard from the Purple Magic Tower was an ally
If they were indeed a Black Wizard as well, was it perhaps better to re-bury the Demonic Sword?
If he wasnt a Black Wizard, keeping the sword posed no issue. However, there seemed no logical reason for him to bury a Demonic Sword in the Academy if he wasnt a Black Wizard. After all, if it was brought to the Church, they would take care of it and even provide a reward.
As his dilemma deepened, he sensed a human presence.
.
He didnt have the time to re-bury it or disguise himself. Bennett quickly left the scene with the Demonic Sword in /genesisforsaken
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Chapter 48: I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy
I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy
Time remaining until the first class 4 days.
===============================================================
Alexon. The one who came closest to the throne of the Mercenary King. The Knight Crusher. The Weapon Master.
Among those who lived by the blade in the current era, there was no one who did not know his name. He always fought on the front lines with his axe and although he might have gained scars, he had never lost.
Just listing the Black Wizards whose heads were taken by his axe revealed why Alexons fame resounded throughout the world. Leather Thief, Evil Landkeeper, Bloodline Blade.
Above all, the reason he was respected was that he always kept true to his faith and moral values even on the merciless battlefield. He never abandoned his comrades and stayed behind if someone was needed to buy time. He was always the first to face danger and led those who were lacking.
It was a famous story that he became hostile to one of the Grand Dukes territories to keep his loyalty to the mercenary group under his command. He always cherished his own people. Unconditionally.
That was why
Entering as Alexons disciple could be the best cover one could ask for.
===============================================================
Bennett Helton. A 2nd-Year at the Academy. His main weapon was a longsword.
After enrolling, he stood out among the students with his excellent physical abilities and swordsmanship overflowing with killing intent. Thus, he caught Alexons eye and was able to form a loose master-disciple relationship. This relationship had continued to this day.
This was all planned.
After closely analyzing Alexon personality and concluding that he enjoyed giving advice to others, Bennett approached him with deliberately batshit crazy swordsmanship. It was an effective strategy.
Although Alexons main weapon was an axe, he was proficient with many weapons. Attempting to deceive him clumsily would only earn a comment like, Why are you deliberately swinging your sword so strangely?, and arouse suspicion.
Therefore, Bennett did his best to learn swordsmanship in an odd manner. He studied the swordsmanship manual of a maniac on his own without taking a swordsmanship instructor. Was it because his efforts were so extensive that it had practically reached the sky?
Alexon wanted to correct Bennetts swordsmanship, which had grown deformed because he swung with killing intent. Of course, Bennett did not miss the opportunity to build a connection. He swung his sword until his hands were about to break. Alexon was very pleased with his perseverance and tenacity.
With that, he had acquired a reliable shield at the Academy.
When his disciple received a wrongful accusation, Alexon would protect him until the truth had been ascertained. Moreover, he would even smooth over a minor accusation as a misunderstanding.
As such, even if something went wrong and Bennett was discovered to be a Black WizardIt was at least possible for Alexon to buy time for him. And that would be a huge help to the plan.
The day of reckoning was approaching.
Black Wizards who had infiltrated the Academy would install magic circles throughout its grounds by the designated date. With that, they would cause disturbances behind the scenes and fuel the students fear and anxiety. If their identity was not revealed, they would operate in secret; if revealed, they would cause maximum casualties.
It would serve as fertilizer for the Grand Magic that the Black Wizard commanding this raid, Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear, would castNightmare Summon.
She could absorb the negative emotions of humans to enhance the power of her magic one step further. The gloomier and darker the atmosphere of the Academy, the stronger she would become.
Already, the atmosphere at the Academy was far from pleasing.
There were conflicts between the two factions, students grinding their teeth in endless competition, teaching assistants being cut at the ankles for the sake of a professors achievement, and those living without entertainment and pleasure; they were all under enough stress to explode if prodded.
Naturally, the darkening atmosphere of the Academy was thanks to the large magic circle affecting the entire Academy, meticulously completed in small amounts by the Black Wizards who had infiltrated and been discovered repeatedly over 30 years. This magic circle subtly stimulated the biggest emotions within every living creature in range.
The rumors spread cunningly by the Black Wizards also played a part. Like the horror story that an individual with a high-status requested the murder and removal of a student they did not like.
A little more instigation would do the trick. Just a bit more.
While dressed in an Academy uniform, Bennett Helton had a longsword hanging from his left waist. Today, he was summoned by Alexon. As such, he was on his way to the professors residential area. He didnt know what the matter was, but it was a critical time.
Before leaving the dormitory, Bennett looked at his reflection in the mirror. He saw his dull grey hair and the gruesome scar covering half of his face. Also, his blind eye. The scar was a memory. Every time Bennett looked in the mirror, he could vividly recall his deep-seated grudge.
There were many strong-willed people at the Academy. But the reason why Bennett was accepted by Alexon even among them might be because they both shared the fate of losing one eye, thus fostering a sense of kinship. Or at least, that was what he thought.
Perhaps it would be better to increase intimacy with Alexon a bit more before the day of reckoning.
===============================================================
Youre here, Bennett!
A voice loud enough to feel its resonance greeted Bennett. Alexons residence was a neatly decorated, modest-sized detached house. The furniture inside was arranged with precise, neat angles.
Judging by his appearance alone, a large tent or a hut with a barbaric vibe would have seemed more fitting. However, Alexon was a man of delicate tastes, contrary to his looks.
Did you call for me, Master?
Yes, I did. Its nothing special. I just found someone suitable to be your Master.
Bennetts vigilance heightened immediately. To think that he was finding a different Master for him, so out of the blue. Had he made some sort of mistake? Or was Alexon planning to leave the Academy?
HAHAHA! Dont make such a face, Bennett! I truly mean what I said! I found someone from whom you could learn from.
Bang!
Alexon, with his rough hand akin to a pot lid, thumped Bennett on the back. Bennett thought that if he got hit like that three more times, he would become incapable of any sort of combat. He seriously wondered if this was a ploy to lower his guard and then inflict damage on him.
Alexon rubbed his bushy beard with his hand. It was a habit of his whenever he was pondering or reminiscing.
Theres a rule in the Academy that Countermeasures to Illusion Magic must be taught no matter what. But since the previous Professor left due to an unfortunate incidentWe had to find a new one.
I see.
I was thinking of requesting a professor from the Purple Magic Tower. Someone with rich practical experience and a long career, you see. Puppet Lorei, known for her remarkable character, was a candidate. So was Charlie of Pain, who, despite his infamous reputation, would have been perfect as a professor.
.
The wizard from the Purple Magic Tower If Alexon held him in such high regard, then he definitely posed a variable to the plan. It was necessary to investigate and inform the infiltrated Black Wizards. If he posed a problem, prioritizing his removal might be necessary.
As Bennett looked at Alexon, who was seemingly enveloped in a sense of emptiness, he blurted out without thinking.
But still, I only have one Master.
You punk
Alexons expression brightened slightly. Bennett bowed low and left Alexons residence.
Alexons social standing remained unchanged. He still provided good cover and a solid shield. Hence, offering comforting words to a disheartened Alexon wasprobably necessary for the plan.
===============================================================
The information Bennett scraped together from the Black Wizards and his classmates was as follows.
Name Unknown.
Age Unknown.
Purple Magic Tower Affiliation.
The Star Disciple of the Purple Magic Tower Master.
Has the Second Prince as a backer.
Seen being pampered by a female butler dressed in a formal suit.
Involved in a love triangle between said female butler and a female student of the Academy.
Visited the womens underwear shop within the school grounds as soon as he entered the Academy.
Spotted engaging in suspicious activities at several locations within the Academy.
Testimony of being witnessed leaving the professors residential area and moving south the night before.
.
Bennett decided to report to the higher-ups, labeling the subject in question as a lecher. That with such an openly lascivious character, honey traps might be effective.
Suspicious activities, they say
Direct contact with him was postponed. For now, Bennett intended to investigate what the Purple Tower Wizard was plotting within the Academy. By that, he meant tonight, when everyone else was fast asleep.
Bennett closed his eyes and felt around the contours of his soul. And then, he cautiously tore off a corner. A brief, heart-wrenching pain passed, leaving a massive amount of mana at his fingertips.
The soul and the body were closely linked. If the soul was harmed, the body, too, suffered. Thus, using ones own soul as material for casting Black Magic inevitably shortened ones lifespan.
Bennett always hesitated whenever he used Black Magic with his soul.
But after reminding himself that everything he once had was consumed in a blaze anywayThat nothing was left but the mere ashes in his hands, courage would swell within him. The courage to do whatever it took to complete the plan.
Burnt Offering Tracing the Past.
The magic, enhanced by the consumption of his soul, unleashed a whirl of mana that settled into Bennets eyes. He spat the rising bile and blood into a trash can.
Though he had lost about three years of his lifespan just now, it didnt matter if it meant fulfilling the plan.
The magic that would usually show 1 minute into the past was now enhanced, revealing the scene from a day ago in vivid detail. Bennett followed the illusion of a wizard wearing a hood and a beauty dressed in a suit.
He arrived at a clearing in the lecture facility area.
He caught the image of the wizard burying something in the ground with a shovel. After surveying the surroundings and confirming no one was around, Bennett used magic to quickly dig up the soil.
A sword?
A plain-looking sword was buried in that spot.
It was unlikely they had come out in the dead of night in the rain, at that, just to dispose of trash. Moreover, they used a shovel. To leave no magical trace, presumably. Such meticulous action suggested it wasnt just any ordinary sword.
Bennett, suspecting as much, lightly cut his palm with the sword.
Blood dripped down. And then, the Demonic Sword, absorbing the blood, woke from its hibernation mode.
The sword was designed to awaken immediately upon detecting blood. The reason for this was to prevent someone from going I should feed the Demonic Sword and start killing civilians.
-Are you my new Master? To think that you would awak.
Artifact Seal of the Marsh Devil.
After confirming it was a Demonic Sword, Bennett immediately sealed it. He then strapped the sword to his waist. He couldnt risk being discovered by someone.
Blatantly expressing his carnal desires for women, backed by the Second Prince, possessing the wisdom to defeat Alexon in a duel of words, and hiding a Demonic Sword in the Academy
Was he also a Black Wizard?
Bennett considered the possibility that this was a higher-ranked Black Wizard dispatched by Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear for the completion of the plan.
The Black Wizard community was structured in cells. Bennett could only communicate with his superiors and had no way of knowing who else among the Academy was a disguised Black Wizard. Therefore, it was impossible to immediately ascertain whether the wizard from the Purple Magic Tower was an ally
If they were indeed a Black Wizard as well, was it perhaps better to re-bury the Demonic Sword?
If he wasnt a Black Wizard, keeping the sword posed no issue. However, there seemed no logical reason for him to bury a Demonic Sword in the Academy if he wasnt a Black Wizard. After all, if it was brought to the Church, they would take care of it and even provide a reward.
As his dilemma deepened, he sensed a human presence.
.
He didnt have the time to re-bury it or disguise himself. Bennett quickly left the scene with the Demonic Sword in /genesisforsaken
Chapter 48: I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy I Became a Black Wizard of the Academy Time remaining until the first class 4 days.===============================================================Alexon. The one who came closest to the throne of the Mercenary King. The Knight Crusher. The Weapon Master.Among those who lived by the blade in the current era, there was no one who did not know his name. He always fought on the front lines with his axe and although he might have gained scars, he had never lost.Just listing the Black Wizards whose heads were taken by his axe revealed why Alexons fame resounded throughout the world. Leather Thief, Evil Landkeeper, Bloodline Blade.Above all, the reason he was respected was that he always kept true to his faith and moral values even on the merciless battlefield. He never abandoned his comrades and stayed behind if someone was needed to buy time. He was always the first to face danger and led those who were lacking.It was a famous story that he became hostile to one of the Grand Dukes territories to keep his loyalty to the mercenary group under his command. He always cherished his own people. Unconditionally.That was whyEntering as Alexons disciple could be the best cover one could ask for.===============================================================Bennett Helton. A 2nd-Year at the Academy. His main weapon was a longsword.After enrolling, he stood out among the students with his excellent physical abilities and swordsmanship overflowing with killing intent. Thus, he caught Alexons eye and was able to form a loose master-disciple relationship. This relationship had continued to this day.This was all planned.After closely analyzing Alexon personality and concluding that he enjoyed giving advice to others, Bennett approached him with deliberately batshit crazy swordsmanship. It was an effective strategy.Although Alexons main weapon was an axe, he was proficient with many weapons. Attempting to deceive him clumsily would only earn a comment like, Why are you deliberately swinging your sword so strangely?, and arouse suspicion.Therefore, Bennett did his best to learn swordsmanship in an odd manner. He studied the swordsmanship manual of a maniac on his own without taking a swordsmanship instructor. Was it because his efforts were so extensive that it had practically reached the sky? Alexon wanted to correct Bennetts swordsmanship, which had grown deformed because he swung with killing intent. Of course, Bennett did not miss the opportunity to build a connection. He swung his sword until his hands were about to break. Alexon was very pleased with his perseverance and tenacity.With that, he had acquired a reliable shield at the Academy.When his disciple received a wrongful accusation, Alexon would protect him until the truth had been ascertained. Moreover, he would even smooth over a minor accusation as a misunderstanding.As such, even if something went wrong and Bennett was discovered to be a Black WizardIt was at least possible for Alexon to buy time for him. And that would be a huge help to the plan.The day of reckoning was approaching.Black Wizards who had infiltrated the Academy would install magic circles throughout its grounds by the designated date. With that, they would cause disturbances behind the scenes and fuel the students fear and anxiety. If their identity was not revealed, they would operate in secret; if revealed, they would cause maximum casualties. It would serve as fertilizer for the Grand Magic that the Black Wizard commanding this raid, Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear, would castNightmare Summon.She could absorb the negative emotions of humans to enhance the power of her magic one step further. The gloomier and darker the atmosphere of the Academy, the stronger she would become.Already, the atmosphere at the Academy was far from pleasing.There were conflicts between the two factions, students grinding their teeth in endless competition, teaching assistants being cut at the ankles for the sake of a professors achievement, and those living without entertainment and pleasure; they were all under enough stress to explode if prodded.Naturally, the darkening atmosphere of the Academy was thanks to the large magic circle affecting the entire Academy, meticulously completed in small amounts by the Black Wizards who had infiltrated and been discovered repeatedly over 30 years. This magic circle subtly stimulated the biggest emotions within every living creature in range.The rumors spread cunningly by the Black Wizards also played a part. Like the horror story that an individual with a high-status requested the murder and removal of a student they did not like.A little more instigation would do the trick. Just a bit more.While dressed in an Academy uniform, Bennett Helton had a longsword hanging from his left waist. Today, he was summoned by Alexon. As such, he was on his way to the professors residential area. He didnt know what the matter was, but it was a critical time.Before leaving the dormitory, Bennett looked at his reflection in the mirror. He saw his dull grey hair and the gruesome scar covering half of his face. Also, his blind eye. The scar was a memory. Every time Bennett looked in the mirror, he could vividly recall his deep-seated grudge.There were many strong-willed people at the Academy. But the reason why Bennett was accepted by Alexon even among them might be because they both shared the fate of losing one eye, thus fostering a sense of kinship. Or at least, that was what he thought.Perhaps it would be better to increase intimacy with Alexon a bit more before the day of reckoning.===============================================================Youre here, Bennett!A voice loud enough to feel its resonance greeted Bennett. Alexons residence was a neatly decorated, modest-sized detached house. The furniture inside was arranged with precise, neat angles.Judging by his appearance alone, a large tent or a hut with a barbaric vibe would have seemed more fitting. However, Alexon was a man of delicate tastes, contrary to his looks. Did you call for me, Master?Yes, I did. Its nothing special. I just found someone suitable to be your Master.Bennetts vigilance heightened immediately. To think that he was finding a different Master for him, so out of the blue. Had he made some sort of mistake? Or was Alexon planning to leave the Academy?HAHAHA! Dont make such a face, Bennett! I truly mean what I said! I found someone from whom you could learn from.Bang!Alexon, with his rough hand akin to a pot lid, thumped Bennett on the back. Bennett thought that if he got hit like that three more times, he would become incapable of any sort of combat. He seriously wondered if this was a ploy to lower his guard and then inflict damage on him.Alexon rubbed his bushy beard with his hand. It was a habit of his whenever he was pondering or reminiscing.Theres a rule in the Academy that Countermeasures to Illusion Magic must be taught no matter what. But since the previous Professor left due to an unfortunate incidentWe had to find a new one.I see.I was thinking of requesting a professor from the Purple Magic Tower. Someone with rich practical experience and a long career, you see. Puppet Lorei, known for her remarkable character, was a candidate. So was Charlie of Pain, who, despite his infamous reputation, would have been perfect as a professor..The wizard from the Purple Magic Tower If Alexon held him in such high regard, then he definitely posed a variable to the plan. It was necessary to investigate and inform the infiltrated Black Wizards. If he posed a problem, prioritizing his removal might be necessary.As Bennett looked at Alexon, who was seemingly enveloped in a sense of emptiness, he blurted out without thinking.But still, I only have one Master.You punkAlexons expression brightened slightly. Bennett bowed low and left Alexons residence.Alexons social standing remained unchanged. He still provided good cover and a solid shield. Hence, offering comforting words to a disheartened Alexon wasprobably necessary for the plan.===============================================================The information Bennett scraped together from the Black Wizards and his classmates was as follows.Name Unknown.Age Unknown.Purple Magic Tower Affiliation.The Star Disciple of the Purple Magic Tower Master.Has the Second Prince as a backer.Seen being pampered by a female butler dressed in a formal suit.Involved in a love triangle between said female butler and a female student of the Academy.Visited the womens underwear shop within the school grounds as soon as he entered the Academy.Spotted engaging in suspicious activities at several locations within the Academy.Testimony of being witnessed leaving the professors residential area and moving south the night before..Bennett decided to report to the higher-ups, labeling the subject in question as a lecher. That with such an openly lascivious character, honey traps might be effective. Suspicious activities, they sayDirect contact with him was postponed. For now, Bennett intended to investigate what the Purple Tower Wizard was plotting within the Academy. By that, he meant tonight, when everyone else was fast asleep.Bennett closed his eyes and felt around the contours of his soul. And then, he cautiously tore off a corner. A brief, heart-wrenching pain passed, leaving a massive amount of mana at his fingertips.The soul and the body were closely linked. If the soul was harmed, the body, too, suffered. Thus, using ones own soul as material for casting Black Magic inevitably shortened ones lifespan.Bennett always hesitated whenever he used Black Magic with his soul.But after reminding himself that everything he once had was consumed in a blaze anywayThat nothing was left but the mere ashes in his hands, courage would swell within him. The courage to do whatever it took to complete the plan.Burnt Offering Tracing the Past.The magic, enhanced by the consumption of his soul, unleashed a whirl of mana that settled into Bennets eyes. He spat the rising bile and blood into a trash can.Though he had lost about three years of his lifespan just now, it didnt matter if it meant fulfilling the plan.The magic that would usually show 1 minute into the past was now enhanced, revealing the scene from a day ago in vivid detail. Bennett followed the illusion of a wizard wearing a hood and a beauty dressed in a suit.He arrived at a clearing in the lecture facility area.He caught the image of the wizard burying something in the ground with a shovel. After surveying the surroundings and confirming no one was around, Bennett used magic to quickly dig up the soil.A sword?A plain-looking sword was buried in that spot.It was unlikely they had come out in the dead of night in the rain, at that, just to dispose of trash. Moreover, they used a shovel. To leave no magical trace, presumably. Such meticulous action suggested it wasnt just any ordinary sword.Bennett, suspecting as much, lightly cut his palm with the sword.Blood dripped down. And then, the Demonic Sword, absorbing the blood, woke from its hibernation mode.The sword was designed to awaken immediately upon detecting blood. The reason for this was to prevent someone from going I should feed the Demonic Sword and start killing civilians. -Are you my new Master? To think that you would awak.Artifact Seal of the Marsh Devil.After confirming it was a Demonic Sword, Bennett immediately sealed it. He then strapped the sword to his waist. He couldnt risk being discovered by someone.Blatantly expressing his carnal desires for women, backed by the Second Prince, possessing the wisdom to defeat Alexon in a duel of words, and hiding a Demonic Sword in the AcademyWas he also a Black Wizard?Bennett considered the possibility that this was a higher-ranked Black Wizard dispatched by Corpse Flower that Consumes Fear for the completion of the plan.The Black Wizard community was structured in cells. Bennett could only communicate with his superiors and had no way of knowing who else among the Academy was a disguised Black Wizard. Therefore, it was impossible to immediately ascertain whether the wizard from the Purple Magic Tower was an allyIf they were indeed a Black Wizard as well, was it perhaps better to re-bury the Demonic Sword?If he wasnt a Black Wizard, keeping the sword posed no issue. However, there seemed no logical reason for him to bury a Demonic Sword in the Academy if he wasnt a Black Wizard. After all, if it was brought to the Church, they would take care of it and even provide a reward.As his dilemma deepened, he sensed a human presence..He didnt have the time to re-bury it or disguise himself. Bennett quickly left the scene with the Demonic Sword in /genesisforsaken
