Chapter 226: Mikhail (2)

“...What?!” Mikhail blurted out, startled by Karyl’s command.

“I must’ve heard that wrong.”

“No, you didn’t,” Karyl reassured him, tearing into the roasted War Bear meat Israphil had prepared.

“Master... you might as well ask me to die instead.”

Despite the incredible display of magical prowess he had just shown, Mikhail now wore a forlorn expression.

“Who said anything about dying? I just got you to a useful level in Antihum.”

Even with Karyl’s reassurance, Mikhail let out a deep sigh.

“The Ivory Tower... You really think it makes sense to send me to the Dawn Council now?”

Crackle... crackle...

Just like the wood in the campfire, Mikhail felt like his insides were burning up.

The Ivory Tower of the Dawn Council—located between the Flame Dragon’s lair and the northern part of the principality, this massive tower was the headquarters of the Dawn Council, one of the two major magical councils, akin to Antihum of the Immortal Council.

After witnessing Mikhail’s Stacked Magic Technique that took down the War Bear, Karyl hadn’t even bothered to deal with the monster’s carcass before making the suggestion.

“Are you serious about this?” Israphil finally ventured to ask, unable to stand it any longer. The little Dark Giant next to him wobbled over with a tray of meat for Mikhail, but Mikhail didn’t even look at it, keeping his head down and just sighing deeply.

“Of course. You’re all sharp people, and yet you’re asking me so many times... Do I look like someone who’d just make idle talk?”

“N-no.” Flustered, Israphil waved his hands.

“If he’s not the type to joke around, maybe he’s saying it to mess with us on purpose. You need to explain properly.” Serica pouted her lips in discontent.

“Mikhail received training from the Immortal Council. Although he’s not an official disciple or affiliated sorcerer, he was personally trained by Nain Darhon.”

She stood next to Mikhail, almost like his spokesperson.

“And you want to send someone like that to learn magic from the Dawn Council? Do you really think that makes sense?”

“Yup.”

“...What?”

“Just like you said, Mikhail was trained by the Immortal Council, but he’s neither an official disciple nor an affiliated sorcerer,” Karyl responded as though he had anticipated her words.

“So, what’s the problem?” he went on.

“Well, I mean...” Serica merely looked at him, lost for words.

“The sorcerers of the Dawn Council aren’t cannibals who’d kill someone for no reason. On the contrary, they might even be thrilled.”

“Huh?” Mikhail looked at Karyl in confusion.

“The empire’s doctrine that mana is a blessing and those without it are heretics stems from the Church’s ethics. Because of that, everyone knows the Dawn Council has close ties with the Church, receiving their support.”

Everyone nodded at Karyl’s explanation.

“The first verse of the Church’s doctrine states, ‘God created mana.’ This leads to the notion of heresy and distinguishes between curses and necromancy. But everyone here knows now that mana wasn’t created by God.”

Everyone looked at Allen Javius standing next to Karyl. Or more accurately, at Duaat, the Dark Spirit, who dwelled within Allen.

“Mana was created from the cracks during the world’s formation, not by God. Depending on how it evolves, it can become a spirit or, conversely, residue known as Tarak. And then there are some cracks that were scattered here and there, bestowed upon humans.

The Immortal Council approached mana as a natural phenomenon, researching the cracks extensively. That was likely how Nain Darhon had managed to create the incomplete Tarak, the failure known as the Dust of the Void.

“There is no mention of spirits in any verse of the Church’s doctrine. Why is that? It’s simple. The Church can’t explain the existence of spirits.”

“Hmm...”

“That’s right.”

“The disappearance of the Spirit Realm since the Magical Era provided a good explanation for the Church’s doctrine. They separated the concept of spirits from mana, claiming they were entirely different entities. According to them, spirits vanished because they defied divine will.”

In reality, it was the spiritualists that had almost vanished, but not before encountering two Spirit Kings.

“Also, I obtained the Essence of the Soul Spring from the elven treasury in the Ghost Castle, which can open a dimensional gate to the Spirit Realm.”

“You mean you can connect the Spirit Realm with the human world?”

“It’s not enough yet... Israphil, if you work hard and show progress in Original Magic, it might be possible. We still lack spirit power.”

“Hmm...”

Israphil listened intently, his interest piqued again by the discussion of a new magical system.

“I’m counting on you.”

At Karyl’s words, Israphil scratched his head and bowed slightly, looking somewhat overwhelmed.

“We veered off-topic, but the Immortal Council studied mana itself rather than the Church’s doctrine. Their approach to mana and, consequently, magic was different. Who does the Immortal Council revere as their greatest sorcerer?”

“Well... it’s the Assembly of Seven Elders, who are said to have introduced magic to the earliest humans,” said Israphil, glancing at Allen. Initially, he hadn’t realized the extent of Allen’s greatness, but the more he learned about Original Magic, the more he appreciated it.

[Did you see that?]

Allen puffed up his chest proudly.

“Then you must know who the Dawn Council considers the greatest.”

“Yes...”

Israphil glanced at Allen again, this time with a different look.

“Is it hard to say? It’s fine. The name was mentioned just now.”

“That guy? I can’t believe it... I don’t know who founded the Dawn Council, but they must be blind. Aligning with the gods and claiming a mere human from 250 years ago as the greatest? Even the stones rolling around during the Magical Era were greater than that.”

Allen scoffed, seemingly having figured it out instantly.

“The reason I want Mikhail to go to the Dawn Council is that the person they revere as the greatest sorcerer is none other than Kaye Aesir.”

The first dragon slayer.

While the Assembly of Seven Elders was considered the pinnacle of all magic, Kaye Aesir’s achievements seemed more tangible because they had occurred more recently compared to the distant, almost mythical past of the Magical Era.

Who was the greatest sorcerer in history? This question was still a topic of debate, opinions varying regarding the current four Great Sorcerers on the continent—Nain Darhon of the Immortal Council, Berchi Blano, leader of the Dawn Council, Darryl Harian of the Golden Magic Society in the principality, and Kadin Luer, the court sorcerer of the empire.

“To be honest, if you’re looking for the pinnacle of magic, the answer is already clear,” Karyl declared.

“Who is it?”

“Dragons.”

At Karyl’s answer, Israphil looked deflated. It was probably the first time he had shown his emotions so plainly.

“Ah... Indeed. It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“It’s funny seeing everyone argue over who’s second best. Unless a sorcerer manages to surpass dragons, this whole debate is pointless.”

Karyl chuckled.

“I believe the two magic councils should unite and pool their strength. Instead of accepting our human limitations, we should challenge that pinnacle.”

“Challenge the domain of dragons?”

“A thousand years ago, the Assembly of Seven Elders researched magic with that very purpose. It’s tragic that a millennium later, instead of advancing, we’ve regressed.”

Everyone was speechless at Karyl’s astonishing idea. Uniting the two councils that had been rivals for centuries? No one in the history of the continent had ever dared to attempt that.

“Mikhail, your task is simple. When you reach the Dawn Council, you’ll find a man named Serga there. He’s an incredibly arrogant and tedious man, hailed as a genius of the century and nicknamed the reincarnation of Kaye Aesir.”

“Serga?”

Hearing that, Mikhail looked at Serica Lauren. Though the name was similar, she shook her head, indicating she didn’t know him.

“You wouldn’t know him. He’s an aristocrat from the Imperial Academy, educated by Kadin Luer from a young age.”

“Hmph, a young master, then.” Serica’s lips curled in disdain.

“The reincarnation of Kaye Aesir? What an absurdly arrogant title,” Allen sneered.

“Don’t worry. If Mikhail goes there, they might call him the reincarnation of Allen Javius. Your name will be known again.”

“Hah, that would be something to see. Although, I doubt this scatterbrained kid can live up to it.” Allen laughed heartily, though he had been the first to recognize Mikhail’s talent.

“Mikhail, you know what you have to do, right?” Karyl turned to him. “Go and surpass that guy. As the representative of Tatur. The Immortal Council won’t be able to disregard you with Allen Javius backing you. If you overpower the Dawn Council, you’ll essentially be uniting the two councils.”

“And above them will be your kingdom?” Allen chimed in.

“Well... yes.”

“Heh, you really are ruthless.”

Unlike the cheerful conversation between Karyl and Allen, Mikhail felt like he was dying inside.

“M-Me, at the Dawn Council?”

“Yes. I always intended to unite the councils, but I couldn’t find a way to do it. I lacked the justification.”

While the others might think it was merely a scheme to consolidate power during the continent’s unification, all of Karyl’s plans were ultimately aimed at the impending Oracle War.

“In truth, these superficial matters might seem meaningless... But having a justification will motivate those sluggish sorcerers. That’s why you’re the right person for this.”

Karyl pointed at Mikhail with the rib from the War Bear.

“I can’t just tell Nain Darhon and Berchi Blano to shake hands and work together, can I?”

“Well... no...” Mikhail sighed, knowing the renowned Great Sorcerers weren’t children.

“Now that we’ve ascertained your talent, I can finally put this plan in motion.”

“And what about you, Master?”

“Of course, I’ll be heading to the principality with you. But there’s somewhere I need to stop by first.”

“Is it because of the messenger pigeon that came earlier?”

“Correct.”

Mikhail glanced at the pigeon huddled beside Karyl. It had flown in after they had cleared the fire and finished setting up camp. The bird was large and had rough feathers, a species from the south.

“I will depart at dawn. You need to go to Tatur as I instructed and form a team for our journey to the principality.”

“...Understood,” Mikhail answered with a downcast expression. “But the south... it’s nothing serious, right?”

Karyl chuckled at his question.

“No, it’s just a minor family matter. I need to visit Digon briefly. Focus on yourself. You’ll have to take care of yourself there.”

“...Then maybe don’t send me.” Mikhail’s face scrunched up again.

“Do you remember when I picked you out from the Guidance Mercenary Gang? At that time, I considered Suan, Aidan, and you as my people. It means I value you more than anyone else.”

This time, Karyl spoke in a serious tone, quite different from before. There was a strange resonance in his voice, as if it carried magic, spreading gently through the forest.

“Aidan told me he feels he hasn’t had a chance to prove his worth, unlike the southern barbarians. Suan feels the same. From the southern unification to the Ghost Castle assault, he always complains that all he did was steer the ship.”

Karyl’s lips curled into a sly smile.

Whoosh

!

He tossed the rib bone he was holding into the fire. The meat still clinging to the bone sizzled as the flames flickered wildly.

“And you?”

“...What?”

“Unlike those two who are eager for opportunities, I gave you a chance to grow directly in Antihum. Don’t you want to test your own growth rather than just do stuff for me?”

“Well...” Mikhail hesitated to answer. The power he had displayed in killing the War Bear had surprised even him. How far could he go? It was hard not to be tempted by such ambition.

“You need to establish a clear second place. There’s no need for disputes about who’s higher or lower.”

“Me... going to a Great Sorcerer?”

“They have decades more experience than you. Out of pride, they won’t confront you directly. That’s why I want you to humble Serga,” Karyl explained.

Serga is highly regarded by the Dawn Council, but he’s also a promising sorcerer of the empire. If Mikhail defeats him and establishes himself as a sorcerer from Tatur, it will solidify his magical standing.

Karyl lightly patted Mikhail on the shoulder.

“Relax. The spot at the top is mine anyway. I will surpass dragons and reach the pinnacle.”

Mikhail couldn’t help chuckling at that, although Karyl never sounded like he was joking.

“I won’t be long.”

Rumble...

Just then, as if waiting for Karyl’s words, a low growl echoed from the forest. The ground shook, and sharp eyes glowed from beneath the trees.

“...!!”

Mounting the Sand Serpent, Karyl said his goodbyes.

“I’ll see you in Tatur.”