Chapter 399
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"It's not a joke, really feels like it's been a long time." Merlin remarked as he and Oliver stood in a corner of the building. Oliver nodded in agreement.
"I feel the same way. It hasn't been that long, though." Oliver added.
In reality, the time since Merlin and Oliver had parted ways hadn't been very long. However, it felt like a reunion after an extended period because both had been busy during their separation.
After parting with Oliver, Merlin had diligently investigated the Life School, submitted Oliver's thesis on his behalf, and, as an Archiver, visited various factions to work on minimizing damage.
Oliver, too, had been occupied. After completing his thesis, he had gone to Wineham to engage with the paladins, purchased a building in District X, and held discussions with the District Z Anti-Development Committee and the Bathory family. He had even unexpectedly become a messenger for Human-meat Chef, leaving him with no spare moments.
Indeed, they had both been exceptionally busy, which contributed to the sense of a longer separation than it actually was.
"Your clothes look nice." Oliver commented on Merlin's outfit, noticing the formal suit he was wearing, which was unusual for him.
"Even when I was unemployed, I had to dress appropriately for work... Been ages since I slipped into this gear, doesn't it seem a bit wonky?"
Merlin asked, showcasing the suit, which, while not extravagant like the attire of other wizards in the tower, exuded a dignified charm of its own.
It seemed to fit him naturally, radiating an innate elegance.
Oliver replied with honesty, "Not at all. It suits you very well, Elder."
Merlin appreciated the compliment and responded, "It's nice of ya to say that... Thank you for callin' me 'Elder,' mate."
"What do you mean?"
"Thought you said you were quitting being my disciple the last time we parted. It was an honor to have you, even temporarily."
Confusion briefly crossed Oliver's face, but then he recalled their previous conversation.
"Ah... Ah. That's not what I meant. It was just in case I couldn't come back... I apologize if it caused any misunderstanding."
Merlin sought clarification, "So, still my disciple?"
Oliver nodded, "If you would allow it, of course."
"Good... Then, may I ask if the Wineham matter was resolved?"
In response to Merlin's inquiry, Oliver nodded and proceeded to recount the incident in detail.
He described his journey to Wineham, his discovery of Marie and her group, and the intense battle he had fought against the paladins.
After hearing the entire narrative, Merlin expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm grateful that you didn't kill anyone as I asked."
Oliver nodded in acknowledgment, although deep down, he couldn't help but think that it had been a perilous situation. While he had no intention of killing in the final battle, there had been moments when he thought it might not matter if it happened - if they lived or died.
The reason he had managed to keep his promise to Merlin was due to a chance encounter with a destitute family near the end of the conflict. Oliver recollected that moment and the emotions he had experienced, finding it somewhat embarrassing.
"She all good?" Merlin inquired.
"Who?" Oliver asked in return.
"The lady who was stabbed with a sword. Marie, right?"
"Ah... Yes, she's safe," Oliver responded, though the memory of that moment seemed somewhat blurred.
"She's really lucky then. To survive being stabbed by a paladin's sword. God must have helped her." Merlin remarked.
Oliver remained silent, unable to recall precisely how he had treated Marie. He was sure he had attended to her, but the memory was somewhat hazy.
Seeing Oliver's confused expression, Merlin smoothly transitioned to a different topic, asking, "But are you worried that your identity was discovered?"
"Yes? Oh, yes, that's right. Elder... I tried to conceal my identity as a druid and confronted the paladins, but they are strong and have good instincts... I can't shake off the feeling that I was found out."
"So, you even asked the city for help?"
"Yes."
"If you were discovered, it's unfortunate, but it's still remarkable. To think that far and prepare on your own."
"I caused the issue, so it seemed right for me to resolve it... Many people helped me." Oliver replied.
Hearing Oliver's response, Merlin nodded thoughtfully and then shifted the conversation, asking,"Has there been any movement from the Parter Church yet?"
"No," Oliver replied. "According to Mr. Carver, it's quiet."
"Then it should be fine... That place is known for its intense internal strife."
"Internal strife?"
"Yes, no fam without a bit of biff. Parter Church is a big house, and a special one at that. Just watch it, mate. Poke your nose where it don't belong, and you'll end up as bald as a coot. Like me." Merlin quipped, pointing to his own head.
Oliver nodded, understanding that worrying about things already decided wouldn't solve anything. If problems arose, they could address them at that time, and it wouldn't be too late.
"Let's leave other families' issues aside and talk about our own family matters... The Bathory leftovers you dragged in."
"Yes, Elder... May I ask how they have been settled?"
"Tower's giving 'em the nod."
"That's a relief." Oliver replied, his relief evident in his words.
He knew that if the tower had not accepted them, the remnants of the Bathory family would have had to flee Landa, escaping Human-meat Chef and seeking refuge in the farthest corners of the world. It was an outcome that was both inevitable and regrettable.
However, now that the tower had agreed to take them in, they were spared from such a fate, which Oliver considered fortunate.
"They were lucky. If it had been before the Lake Village incident, they wouldn't have even been heard... The order in the tower is strict, and the reputation is impeccable, so they wouldn't have taken the unnecessary risk." Merlin remarked, acknowledging the tower's decision. "But now it's different. Whether they were complacent or not, the encounter with the warlock at Lake Village gave 'em a rude awakening."
"Because of Lake Village?" Oliver inquired.
"There would be people upset by this, but frankly, it's true. Suffering's brought 'em to their senses... Sad, really. Would've been better if they woke up before gettin' a knock." Merlin explained, and for a moment, a genuine sadness appeared in his expression, which was unusual for him.
Oliver observed Merlin's demeanor and decided not to rush to offer comfort or agreement. It felt somewhat impolite to do so without fully understanding Merlin's emotions.
Merlin continued, "The girls will be assigned to the Blood Magic sub-school. I'll be keepin' an eye on 'em. The Blood Magic sub-school is affiliated with the Life School."
Oliver found it an interesting coincidence but not an unfavorable arrangement. He believed Merlin could effectively oversee Unna and her companions, and discrimination against them seemed unlikely.
Oliver then produced a handle with a red button from his pocket and handed it to Merlin, saying, "Please take this. It's a detonator."
"A detonator?" Merlin questioned.
"Yes, to set off the bomb, you need a detonator."
Merlin appeared surprised and asked, "You actually plant a bomb?"
"Yes. Of course... Is there a problem?" Oliver responded.
"Um... Nah, it's my fault for not being used to it... For your information, those girls will officially enter Landa City as refugees. As wizard refugees."
"Refugees?" Oliver inquired.
"Yes, refugees from the central continent. Admin there's a mess, and a considerable number of refugees emerge every year, so it's easy to blend in. In fact, it's a route mainly used by brokers. Coming in as refugees allows them to get a completely new identity, so it's not a bad deal in many ways."
"Oh... That seems like a good method."
"You're affiliatin' with the tower the same way."
"Me?"
"Yes, while deciding the fate of the Bathory family, your situation was also decided. As a street wizard with no affiliation to any school, employed by the tower."
"But wasn't I already announced as a test subject of the tower?"
"There are also those who don't think so. So many events have happened so confusingly, and there's been your contributions... So, we're stickin' with this.. It also makes it easier to dismiss you if any issues arise."
"That's wise." Oliver replied sincerely.
"Your status will be as an average wizard, and your position is that of an irregular employee of the tower... The position is low and the salary is meager, but you'll have minimal obligations to the tower and can leave or be let go at any time."
"That sounds good to me," Oliver said, expressing his satisfaction with the position of an irregular employee at the lower levels of the tower. He didn't mind the lower salary, as it was still considered high compared to his previous circumstances. Most importantly, it resolved the main concern Oliver had. He was genuinely thankful for this arrangement.
"It's a suitable treatment. You've already proven your abilities a while ago with your deeds at Lake Village and your thesis. Plus, your persuasive skills in dealing with the Bathory family... They've decided that what you hold is beneficial to the tower."
"Still, I'm thankful... May I ask what the minimum obligations are?"
"Arrive at 9 in the morning, leave at 6 in the evening. Perform the tasks given by the tower... You might cop extra tasks, but at least you get a say in takin' 'em or givin' 'em the flick."
"I understand. That's generous." Oliver replied appreciatively.
"Tower's always a bit of a soft touch, especially for those with the goods. Sometimes a bit too soft... Heard you volunteered for the Galos vanguard earlier, yeah?" Merlin inquired.
"Yes, that's right," Oliver confirmed. He recalled that right after delivering Human-meat Chef's message, he had declared his intention to go to Galos, and the tower had not opposed this decision.
"I think Galos will be interesting, and I would like to meet Human-meat Chef," Oliver explained.
"Human-meat Chef? Why?" Merlin inquired with curiosity.
"Umm... I want to hit Human-meat Chef."
"Ah..."
"And, I have something I'm curious about regarding him."
"What's that?"
" Just something I'm curious about."
***
A week had passed.
As Merlin had suggested, with the tower's assistance and a clandestine arrangement with the city, Unna and her companions had successfully concealed their true identities as refugee wizards from the central continent and obtained new identities in just three days.
Landa's immigration and refugee policies, aimed at securing a large workforce, allowed them to seamlessly blend in with their new identities without arousing suspicion.
With their new identities established, Unna and her companions officially became recognized as sisters on paper and were employed by the tower, assigned to the Blood Magic sub-school.
Upon their formal affiliation with the tower, they fulfilled their promise by delivering some of Bathory's research materials that they had acquired. They also shared valuable information about Human-meat Chef, including details about the hierarchical pyramid structure, key figures in Galos associated with Human-meat Chef, core criminal enterprises supporting the empire, and the operations managing these businesses.
Unna had indeed possessed a considerable amount of information about Human-meat Chef, more than what Rokuri University had shared as a mere taste of their findings. In fact, it appeared to be even more extensive than that.
The materials provided by Unna highlighted the inadequacies of Rokuri University's handling of the situation.
"It's obvious. In war, the side with the initiative wins, and Rokuri University has been dragged around before and after the fight... To think it's deteriorated to this extent. Sending support now would only waste the tower's time, resources, and reputation." assessed Philip, the Honorary Grand Master of the Pure Magic School and the principal of the Royal Magical Officer School, holding the rank of Major General.
Originally, he would not have been permitted to intervene in the tower's affairs, but given the gravity of the situation, he had taken leave and remained at the tower to provide various pieces of advice. He argued that, rather than merely supporting Rokuri University, the tower should establish its own frontlines.
"The thing scarier than a strong enemy in war is a foolish ally. Pushing allies into such a tangled battlefield will only lead to bloodshed, so let's set up our own frontline instead." Philip proposed, one of the most radical suggestions to emerge from the tower.
Naturally, this radical proposition met with opposition. Concerns were raised about the excessive consumption of resources, potential conflicts with Rokuri University, and the practicality of establishing an independent frontline in a foreign land. These concerns were valid, as it was uncertain whether such an endeavor was feasible, and if it were, it posed considerable challenges.
However, Philip did not yield. Armed with victory as his weapon, he engaged in lengthy debates with those who opposed his viewpoint, eventually arriving at a conclusion.
"So, we pretend to be a vanguard aiding Rokuri University while conducting our own local investigation with this personnel?" Oliver asked the question while seated in the first-class cabin of a passenger ship. Kevin, Terence, and Yareli, also seated in the same cabin, nodded in unison.
"Yes."
"Is that the plan?"
"Yes."
(To be Continued)
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