Mages are solitary beings.
To improve their skills, they lock themselves away in secluded rooms, and if they don’t achieve satisfactory results from their studies, they don’t allow themselves any freedom.
Isn’t it easy to sense the feeling of loneliness at a glance?
‘It’s not bad to immerse oneself in something. There’s no way hard work could be looked down upon. Still, it’s true that it’s lonely compared to others, right?’
Unlike swordsmen, who hone their skills through physical contact with each other, mages try to solve problems on their own.
Even when they communicate, they don’t attempt conversations with those who aren’t mages.
‘Perhaps it’s that they think their way of life is simply different.’
Their life is somewhat different from that of most people, who live through mutual understanding.
Because of this, while people look at mages with a sense of awe, they also keep their distance.
Such a societal atmosphere became the reason mages built their own sanctuaries.
‘That’s a Magic Tower. One exists in each direction—north, south, east, and west of the Empire, established in places untouched by people, a cradle for mages.’
Starting with the Black Magic Tower in the north, there’s the White Magic Tower in the west, the Blue Magic Tower in the east, and the Red Magic Tower in the south.
‘Those who worship fire, the most powerful weapon of humanity, pursue the essence of fire magic.’
At first, Ian thought that they might be a bit different from other mages.
It was reasonable to think so, given what the southern region of the Empire was like.
‘The warm climate and many sights make it completely different from the vast plains of Volkanov.’
The faces of people living in a pleasant place were always accompanied by smiles, and in reality, the people of the southern Empire were all passionate, often holding festivals at any time.
Because of this, Ian thought.
‘If they’re from the south… they might be a bit different from other mages. They’d get along well with people and be less authoritative.’
He expected the Red Tower to be distinct, given the nature of the southern people.
However, it didn’t take long for him to realize how misguided that hope was.
‘I was foolish. These guys are no different. No, they’re even crazier.’
As he stood guard, gazing at the crumbling structure of the Red Tower, he couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of having entertained the notion that they might be different.
‘At least other towers don’t engage in the madness of casting explosive spells within their walls.’
The destruction left the walls charred, and the residual mana in the air was palpable against his skin.
While he could only observe for now, once the 2nd Platoon cleared the debris, he anticipated entering to conduct a search.
– Is Ian going to go inside?
‘Yes. If Ariel enters, I’ll go in with her. I need to keep an eye on her to prevent any foolishness.’
– Ariel is an idiot! Annoying!
Neltalion seemed displeased about having to enter the building.
To be precise, he was frustrated that he had to look after Ariel, which caused this predicament.
‘If it weren’t for that, I could finish quickly and play.’
The sudden targeting of Ariel by demons had stirred this entire situation.
If it weren’t for her, he would likely be resting comfortably by now, leaving Neltalion understandably irked.
‘I need to finish this quickly and calm her down. Luckily, it doesn’t seem like it will take long.’
He recalled that the building’s interior had collapsed, leading to two separate paths.
In this scenario, Ian’s role was to follow the 3rd Platoon from the rear, ready to support the 1st Platoon if he sensed any danger to Ariel.
While it might seem like a mundane task, it was familiar enough for him that it posed no significant issue.
As he fiddled with the handle of Rebrion, preparing himself mentally, it was then that—
Beep!
The device tucked in his pocket began to ring.
Curious if the time had come, Ian checked the message and smiled.
[The 3rd Platoon is to cease guard duty and assemble at the entrance of the building.]
‘Let’s go, Neltalion. I’ll buy you food afterward.’
– Yeah! Okay!
It was time to deal with the enemies threatening Ariel.
***
“…Hey… Hale… ley… Are you listening?”
Her heart raced with confusion.
A sense of unease wrapped around her, leaving her unsure of what to do next.
She tried closing her eyes and opening them again, took deep breaths, but none of it had any significant effect.
‘Ian capturing the Demon King means he’s not a traitor… then what have I done?’
“…Haley… Get a grip!”
For Haley Miler, the head of the Miler family and the Empire’s swordsman, demons were an unforgivable race.
She had endured countless hardships because of them.
‘Knowing how painful it is to live a life of exclusion, what have I… as a human… done?’
While sorcery shared similarities with magic, the perception of mages and sorcerers was entirely different.
Though some might say it felt like living in another world, mages were at least met with awe and respect.
In contrast, sorcerers were treated with disdain.
‘I know all too well how hurtful the cold stares can be.’
They were filthy, humans who wielded the power of demons.
Those who knew little of her background mocked and pointed fingers at the people of Miler.
‘They understand what it means to be unwelcome anywhere.’
Even as demons, such attitudes did not change.
While dark mages saw value in charming demons, sorcerers were often dismissed, regarded as foolish.
It was a life unwelcomed anywhere, and it fueled her determination to master the sword.
Living as a sorcerer amid disdain was a struggle she had witnessed far too often.
How long had it been since she started wielding the sword?
At some point, she no longer went by Haley Miler but was simply known as the swordsman.
In that moment, she realized something.
‘I understood that when I used powers not of demons, I could finally earn people’s recognition.’
She could see how the people’s expressions shifted. Just a few years prior, those who had pointed fingers at her for using the powers of demons now gazed at her with respect.
Simultaneously, she made a resolution.
‘There was no need to seek the approval of those who were different on the inside than they appeared. They only wanted to see what they wished to see.’
Rather than craving their acknowledgment, she decided to walk her own path.
She vowed not to acclimate to a world steeped in hatred.
At the very least, she would strive to be a different kind of human.
And so, she swore and fought to keep that promise.
‘But why… why did I do such a thing?’
“Haley…! What’s wrong… are you… in pain?”
Why couldn’t she trust Ian?
Where did her own self, who felt joy when she taught him the sword and saw him grow, go?
‘Why did I…’
Why hadn’t she believed his words and instead cast a curse upon him?
Had she adapted to the very world she despised?
She asked herself that countless times, but no answer came.
The only conclusion was that she had no face to show Ian.
‘Did I do that to Ian? Did I not even consider listening to his words?’
“Haley? Haley!”
Her vacant gaze stared into the void, and it was in that moment, as she unconsciously continued walking—
Thud!
“Haley! Get a grip!”
“Uh… what’s going on, Melissa?”
In that moment, when she felt the grip of her friend and nurse, Melissa Prince, on her shoulder, she looked up in surprise.
With a furrowed brow, Melissa spoke.
“They’re struggling to search, and as the vice-commander, how can you be distracted? I’m also called to duty, so I don’t know much about the 1st Platoon’s situation.”
“Ah, right. I’m sorry…”
“Are you in pain? If you need to take a break, just say so. I’ll tell the front to stop.”
“No, I’m fine. There’s no need for that.”
Even with her assurances, Haley felt Melissa’s gaze upon her, prompting Haley to force a smile.
Even though Melissa, as a nurse, was caught off guard, she couldn’t allow herself to be in need of help.
As the vice-commander leading the cadets, she couldn’t afford to be distracted.
Seeing Melissa take a deep breath as if to regain her focus, she sighed.
“Seriously… just concentrate. Even if this area is relatively low-risk, we’re still on a mission.”
“I’m sorry. Was there any news?”
“News… well, there was something.”
Melissa recited the message received from the forward team.
“There was a notification from Ariel’s party. They found a suspicious space during the search. Although they say there’s no sign of life, they asked if we could authorize an inspection, just in case. What do you want to do?”
“A suspicious space, huh?”
It likely wasn’t a secretive area.
She suspected it was referring to a gap created from the building’s collapse.
‘If it’s a gap, it makes sense to check it out. It’s the perfect hiding spot for the enemies.’
If one had to hide from others, wouldn’t a small opening be better than a wide-open room?
If she were a demon, she would actively exploit the gaps created by the building’s collapse.
“We definitely need to search. Still, just in case, I think it’s best if I go in with you.”
“Hmm… I think so too. But it seems there are multiple such spaces.”
“What?”
As Haley’s eyes widened, Melissa quickly checked the message again.
“According to the message from Celia, there seem to be at least six similar gaps.”
“That’s a big problem…”
There were many places where enemies could be hiding.
This wasn’t just about having more areas to search; it was a serious issue.
Apart from being annoying, the real problem was not knowing where the enemies were hiding.
‘If we want to ensure safety, it makes sense for me and the lead team to check each spot. But if we take too long, the ones hiding elsewhere will likely escape.’
They needed to spread out, but if they did, it would compromise the safety of the students.
‘What should I do…? Would it be better if I went in with them? But what if an enemy hiding elsewhere seizes the chance to flee?’
Could she really stop their escape without being present?
Again, she found herself at a crossroads.
In the end, Haley had no choice but to decide.
“Ariel’s party will continue the search, and the remaining cadets should quickly form groups to check the other areas. I’ll stick with the ones who are relatively weaker.”
“Are you sure that’s okay?”
“There’s no choice. The safety of the students is important, but if we let a demon slip away, it could lead to bigger problems. If anything happens, I can go support them right away.”
Sending Ariel into the most suspicious area was a difficult decision, but Haley trusted her.
Ariel had learned swordsmanship from her, and she would have a significant advantage against the demons.
Even if she wasn’t feeling well, with the help of her party members, they could cover any shortcomings.
As Haley finished speaking, Melissa nodded and began to form groups.
Just as they split into teams and were about to move toward the gap that the lead team had found—
Ding!
“Uh… what’s going on?”
In a startled expression, Melissa fiddled with her device. The moment she turned it toward Haley, her face was pale.
Haley glanced at the screen.
[Communication with Ariel Volkanov and 3 others has been cut off.]
“Communication cut off? What does that mean?”
“Haley? What should we do? We can’t reach the lead team! The cadets who arrived at their location said the entrance has been blocked by demons!”
“Is Ariel isolated?”
In that moment, as the students found themselves in danger, Haley’s hands began to tremble.
