Chapter 154: Epherene’s Time (1)

... Even on the Floating Island, snow fell—a magical occurrence, created by the mages. Without it, far too many addicts of the island would lose their sense of time and the subtle shifts of the seasons.

Crunch—

Crunch—

Sylvia walked through the snow-covered streets of the Floating Island, her steps slow as she waited for Idnik.

Crunch—

Crunch—

She deliberately pressed down harder, amplifying the sound with each step.

Jingle—!

At that moment, the bell rang as the door of the magic shop swung open. Idnik, who had asked Sylvia to wait, finally stepped outside.

With a backpack over her shoulder, Idnik handed the newspaper to Sylvia and said, "Sylvia, read this."

Without a word, Sylvia took the newspaper and scanned its contents, her blank stare drifting over the headlines. Deculein and Yulie’s names filled the front page.

"They say that their engagement is being called off, and there are plenty of strange rumors swirling around. Some are even claiming that Deculein killed both Veron and Rockfell—"

“No,” Sylvia interrupted, shaking her head and pointing at Yulie’s picture in the paper. “This woman is a complete fool.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

Sylvia understood the wrong Veron had inflicted upon Deculein. She knew every detail of what had happened between them. And more than anything, she was keenly aware of the depth of Deculein's love for Yulie.

But this foolish woman knows nothing at all... completely clueless.

“Forget it.”

Sylvia’s blunt response prompted Idnik to shrug before saying, “Alright. Anyway, are you ready?”

“Yes, but—”

“Here you go, you cheeky little one,” Idnik said, handing Sylvia a stone. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

It was the infamous Deculein’s Exam—a stone that, once distributed by the Mage Tower of the Empire to the Floating Island, sparked an instant craze.

The evidence was everywhere—nearly every mage in sight clutched one of these stones. Cafés and restaurants were filled with them, staring intently at the stones laid on their tables, and some even collapsing from sheer exhaustion.

Idnik commented, “

Geez

. If anyone is not specialized in the manipulation category, it’s almost impossible to figure out. He certainly knows how to create a trend.”

Idnik’s words made Sylvia glance at the stone. With just a focused infusion of her mana, it clicked—shifting in her hand.

"

Oh

, and did you hear that? Deculein's new writing was published privately, kept out of public circulation."

Sylvia looked up and asked, “A new writing?”

“Yes. People are losing their minds over it. Since it was privately published, it’s not available to the public. And knowing Deculein, he probably has no plans to sell it. I’ve heard the Floating Island’s library has even tightened security around it.”

“... Tightened security?”

“They say there are only five copies of his new work. Some mages have even joked—half-seriously—about breaking into the library to steal one. Bunch of idiots, all of them.”

In silence, Sylvia bit her lip. Mage Deculein’s reputation had grown immensely on the Floating Island, his theories now recognized as the very foundation of magic here.

“Sylvia, aren’t you also curious?”

After a long, thoughtful pause, Sylvia looked up at Idnik and said, “I might be able to borrow it.”

“Borrow what?”

“Deculein’s theory.”

“

Hmm

?”

Without another word, Sylvia spun around and dashed toward the library. Her magically enhanced speed left a faint blur in her wake as she raced to the 10th floor of Megiseon, the Floating Island’s vast library known as Pentamol, where the world’s knowledge was gathered. At the information desk, she found the Library Addict waiting for her.

“You’ve come, Esper Sylvia,” the Library Addict said with a knowing nod, as though her arrival had been anticipated. He handed her a heavily wrapped and sealed tome, its layers meant to ensure security.

Deculein’s Theory: The Essence

“Please treat this with care. It’s classified as a 2nd Grade tome. There’s also a note from Monarch Deculein, specifically addressed to Esper Sylvia.”

Along with the tome, Sylvia was given a small slip of paper. The note, penned in Deculein’s graceful hand, contained only a few words.

I look forward to the day you will kill me, Sylvia.

***

Through the train window, a snowstorm raged, the sharp winds whipping snowflakes into chaotic swirls. But within the cabin, the warmth wrapped around us, a stark contrast to the storm outside.

"See? This is why you should’ve paid more attention to theory in class," Drent said.

"... I would've paid more attention if it wasn’t so hard," Epherene muttered.

Drent continued his tutoring while Allen absentmindedly toyed with a string, weaving it between his fingers. In the distance, the engine let out a soft chuff, adding to the peaceful quiet. The calm was welcome—none of us, not Epherene or Allen, had any complaints. But we all knew this serenity wouldn’t last.

"Professor, which book are you reading?" Allen asked, breaking the silence.

Without a word, I tilted the book, showing him the cover.

The Dynamics of Mana for Proper Manipulation of Complex Properties in Dual Category Magic Circuits

"...

Hehe

," Allen muttered with an awkward chuckle, then pulled out a scarf and handed it to me. "Here, Professor... I thought you might be feeling a bit cold."

"I have no need for that," I said.

"

Oh

... Yes, Professor..." Allen muttered, his shoulders sagging slightly with disappointment.

I added, "Let’s consider it a gift from me to you. I don’t mind the cold, so you should be the one to wear it."

“Ah... Yes, Professor...”

Screeeeeech—

At that moment, the screech of metal echoed through the air as the train began to slow. The three assistants rose quickly, gathering their belongings.

Knock, knock—

"We’ve reached our destination, Professor Deculein," a crew member announced, gently knocking on the door.

We disembarked together, stepping onto the platform as the train hissed to a final stop.

"

Whoa

, it’s absolutely freezing out here!"

“Y-yes... it really is...”

We had arrived at Mazar Station, deep in the Northern Region. As soon as Epherene and Allen stepped onto the deserted platform, they crossed their arms tightly, shivering against the cold. I scanned the barren landscape—empty of life, with snow-covered mountains looming in the distance, their peaks softened by a shroud of mist.

"Not a single person to be found," I remarked.

"It seems most people are staying indoors with winter approaching," the conductor replied.

“

Ugh

, it’s so cold...”

“It’s freezing...”

“Why is it this cold...”

While they grumbled, I simply stated, "We’re moving on."

“... Yes, Professor.”

Beyond the platform, four horses waited, their breath misting and dissolving into the frosty air.

Neigh—!

Epherene and Allen swallowed nervously, their eyes on the jumpy horses. Both were afflicted by what they called horse sickness...

***

Drent carried Allen on his back, while I had Epherene behind me as we reached our destination—Regental, the fortress in the Northern Region.

"This will be your accommodation, Professor. We often refer to it as a small Mage Tower, though it feels humbling to introduce it to someone from the Mage Tower of the Empire. Still, it’s well away from the noise of the training grounds, so I’m confident you'll find it peaceful and comfortable," the officer said.

The structure was cylindrical, resembling a small Mage Tower, with five floors. For the Northern Region, it rose impressively high.

“I see,” I said.

"Yes, Professor. Please, take your time and rest. Your assistants should do the same."

Once the officer left, Epherene, Allen, and Drent hurried off to claim their rooms.

Epherene was the first to shout, “This one’s mine! I’m taking it!”

Drent shot back, “What? Hey, the youngest one should get the smallest room!”

“

Oh

, please. Ever heard of meritocracy? Assistant Professor Allen gets the biggest room, then me, and...”

Leaving them behind on the first floor, I ascended the stairs. The tower was clearly well-prepared for visiting mages. The third floor held a research lab, equipped with all manner of magical tools; the fourth housed a library stocked with tomes from the Northern Region; and the fifth, a private space, well-suited for my stay.

But then...

“Hello there~”

An uninvited presence appeared before me.

“Brother-in-law... or should I say, not anymore?”

A soft and melodic voice, paired with a gentle smile—it was Josephine.

I turned toward her and said, “What brings you here?"

“

Oh

, nothing much. I’ve just come to give you... a little warning,” Josephine said, her smile radiant.

“A warning,” I echoed tersely.

“That’s correct.

Oh

, no threat intended in what I said, of course. It's just that we’ve detected signs of magical phenomena here in the Northern Region,” Josephine said as she handed me several photographs—red lightning, flickering auroras, and a comet falling only to reverse course. “All of these occurrences happened within the last two days.”

In particular, the comet moved as if it were bending time itself, crashing repeatedly to the ground only to rise again, twisting into nothingness. It was a sudden event, one that, had I seen it with my own eyes, might have granted me a hundred mana points.

"... Of course, I’m confident you can handle anything, Professor Deculein. But the baby birds downstairs, sensitive to mana, might struggle with it. They could easily get swept up in the aftermath."

I gave a slight nod. Thankfully, Josephine didn’t seem to be interested in stirring up any trouble.

“I appreciate your warning."

"Yulie is doing well, though she still harbors a deep resentment and hatred toward you," Josephine said, her smile lingering on her lips while her eyes stayed cold, locked on mine. "Her health is improving. She’s slowly finding her way through it."

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Josephine rested her chin in her hand, tilting her head slightly as she said, “It’s rather fascinating, Brother-in-law~ how everything has played out just as you said they would...”

"I told you—I never lie.”

"

Hehe

, you really don’t~" Josephine chuckled softly, but her smile faded as her expression turned serious. “Was this... your plan from the beginning?”

I looked at her in silence. Her eyes, bright and sharp like finely cut glass, held the same pale hue as Yulie’s.

“I just want Yulie to survive,” I said.

“...

Hmm

,” Josephine murmured, her breath a quiet release, as if speaking more to herself than to me. “It seems you love her just as much as I do.”

[Villain's Fate: Eliminated Death Variable]

◆ Store Currency +2

Eliminated Death Variable—an unfamiliar message. It likely signified that Josephine's murderous intent had finally faded. Perhaps this distrustful sociopath had, finally, come to trust me.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to contact me~” Josephine said, setting a crystal orb on the table before melting into the shadows.

I turned toward the wide window. Outside, flurries of sleet drifted through the air like delicate petals in the wind.

***

The next morning, Epherene rose before dawn. Though the sky remained cloaked in darkness, an unusual sense of vitality coursed through her. Mana thrummed within her, stronger and more vibrant than usual.

"

Oh

, what?"

Whoooosh...

A fireball bloomed in her palm, a basic spell used to measure a mage's strength for the day. But today, its weight and intensity were unusually overwhelming.

"... What's wrong, Epherene?" Drent muttered, his voice thick with sleep as he rubbed his eyes and glanced at her.

"

Oh

, Drent. I don’t know why, but I feel so full of energy today."

"... Right."

“

Oh

, and we’ve got that civil support duty today, right?"

"... Right," Drent muttered, yawning as he dragged himself toward the bathroom.

"Time to put all this energy to work!" Epherene said as she rolled up her sleeves and strode outside, ready to take on the day.

Their first stop was a quiet village resting at the base of the fortress.

“Oh my, what could bring an honored mage to such a humble place...?” one of the villagers asked.

“Is there anything I can help with?!”

“The barricades have weakened somewhat, but...”

“I’ll take care of it! If you could just point me in the right direction?!”

“...

Oh

, sorry? Yes, of course... Follow me, please.”

In no time, Epherene repaired the barricade that had collapsed during the monster invasion. She restored the militia’s weapons and repaired the herbalist’s tools, leaving them like new.

Then, she felled several trees, gathering enough firewood to carry the village through the bitter winter ahead.

"

Hehe

. Hey there, kid. How old are you?" Epherene asked the small boy carrying a bundle of herbs on his back.

"I'm ten. And I'm not a kid."

“

Hehe

, alright,” Epherene said, tousling his hair. He was small, with a youthful face, but he spoke proudly of being an herbalist. He really was adorable. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Jupan.”

"Okay, Jupan. Keep up the good work with those herbs~”

“Alright,” Jupan replied with a firm nod before heading back into the forest.

Watching the boy disappear into the woods, Epherene placed her hands on her hips and asked the nearby villagers, “Alright, everyone! Is there anything else I can help with?”

“No, I believe we're all set for now.”

“

Oh

, and I noticed there are plenty of weeds near the forest that could be used as livestock feed. Let me pull them up and bring them over right away!”

“There’s really no need for that. Just two days ago, or maybe it was yesterday, a shooting star fell into the woods—”

"

Ah

, don’t worry! It’s perfectly safe!"

Perhaps it was due to the fresh air of the Northern Region, she felt more alive than ever, as if a spark had ignited within her, both in body and spirit. With a spring in her step, Epherene strode toward the forest, swiftly pulling up the thick patches of weeds.

At that moment...

"

Huh

?"

Epherene came across a mysterious pond, tucked away within the dense thicket. The small pool shimmered with a blue glow, its surface gently rippling with mana. Intrigued, she tilted her head and moved closer.

“What is this...?” Epherene muttered, staring blankly into the pond. Her reflection shimmered faintly, the water distorting her features as it gently rippled.

Looks like I’m getting prettier as time goes on... Ahem!

The colors and light of the pond were so mesmerizing that, without realizing it, she reached out her hand.

...

Plop

.

As Epherene’s hand met the reflection on the pond’s surface, a sudden shock ran through her, like a burst of electricity. The pain was sharp and fleeting, leaving a lingering sting.

"

Ah

!" Epherene gasped, pulled her hand back and massaged her tingling fingers. "What just happened?"

Maybe I should just ask the professor about this. It might be some kind of magical phenomenon. Yes, that seems like a good idea

, Epherene thought.

Epherene turned back, retracing her steps, but something felt wrong. It didn’t take long for her to notice—the path had changed. The road she had just walked no longer seemed the same. The snow now lay in deeper drifts, much higher than it had been just minutes ago, and the air had grown colder, sharper. She couldn’t quite describe it, but it was unmistakably wrong.

"What the...

Oh

, excuse me!"

Epherene noticed a young man approaching from the other side of the hill and waved to catch his attention. He had the appearance of an herbalist, moving toward her at a slow and deliberate pace, making his way over.

“Yes. How may I help?”

“Did anything strange happen in the village just now?” Epherene asked.

“Strange? In what way, precisely?” the young man asked.

"Yes, yes, yes, anything at all," Epherene said, nodding repeatedly. But as her eyes focused on his face, she suddenly paused, startled. "Wait... what?"

“Is everything alright?”

“No way...”

The man stood tall, his face still youthful yet touched by the first signs of maturity. Though he now towered over Epherene, the softness of his features and the traces of boyish innocence made it clear—without a doubt, he was the same boy she had met just minutes before....

“Are you Jupan?” Epherene asked.

“

Hmm

? How do you know my...

Oh

~”

It was Jupan—the ten-year-old kid she had seen moments ago, now standing before her as a young man.

Jupan recognized her too, not showing much emotion as he said, "You’re the mage I met a long time ago. It’s been quite some time, yet you haven’t aged a day. It’s good to see you again."

“Haven’t aged? What do you mean... a long time ago?”

"Well, that explains it. The professor recently arrived in our village."

"Professor?" Epherene echoed, her confusion slipping into her voice.

"Yes, the professor who was with you and the other mages on your previous visit."

"Where?!" Epherene shouted.

Jupan leaned back slightly and said, “The professor is currently waiting at the town hall...”

Without hesitation, Epherene broke into a sprint, racing toward the town in the direction Jupan had pointed.

Swishhh—

The snow crunched under her boots as she ran, her pulse quickening with each step. But when she finally reached the village, the sight that greeted her left her utterly speechless.

“What...?”

The quiet, humble village she had visited just that morning had been transformed into a lively marketplace. Fur-clad merchants bartered with the villagers, their loud voices echoing through the busy streets.

"What’s going on...?" Epherene murmured, pressing her hands against her chest.

Jupan had spoken of the town hall, and it was just a short distance away.

"... There it is."

The small hut that had once stood there only hours ago had transformed into a towering, formidable structure. Though overwhelmed, Epherene steeled herself, took a deep breath, and grasped the doorknob.

Gulp—

Her throat tightened with nervous tension as she swallowed hard and gently eased the door open.

Creak—

As the door creaked open, her eyes fell upon a figure cloaked in black, seated beneath the dim light of a crimson lantern, engrossed in a book.

"... Professor?"

The figure turned, and though only his lower face was visible beneath the hood, she knew immediately—Deculein.

With a slight curl of his lips, he pulled back his sleeve, tapped his wristwatch, and said, “You should have been more precise with the time, Epherene.”

“Sorry? What do you mean by that...?” Epherene stammered.

“Six o’clock. It’s now five past. When you return, tell them it was six-oh-five, not six on the dot,” Deculein said with calm finality, pulling back his hood to reveal his perpetually composed face.

His words made no sense to her. Epherene blinked in confusion, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for words, before finally stammering, “Return? What... where are you talking about? Where?”

Her thoughts spiraled in confusion. Yet, everything she had seen—the thriving village and the boy turned man—led to one undeniable truth. Time had shifted—taking the future with it.

“Correct," Deculein replied, a faint crease forming on his brow, as though disappointed she hadn’t realized it earlier. "You’ve encountered a brief disruption in time. That’s why I’ve come to find you."

Epherene’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. Deculein, observing her astonishment, responded with a gentle smile.

“

Ahhh...

!”

That smile was more unsettling than the strange magical situation unfolding around her, and Epherene, overwhelmed, felt her mind momentarily slip away.

Thud—!

... Suddenly, she crumpled to the floor, her head striking the wooden boards with a dull thud.