Chapter 66: A New Journey

"Here is a message from the Kadhium Mining Site. They have collected a sample from the magic mine and sent it to us."

"Really?" Dushala received the note from her subordinate and opened the accompanying small box.

Click—

Inside lay an unprocessed gemstone, rough and unpolished—a true magic stone.

This can be worth at least a tier-two gemstone. Who would have thought there would be a magic mine in that forsaken land?

A shiver ran down Dushala’s spine as she realized Karyl's words, which she had once doubted. They had become a reality.

"Wow, is this a magic stone? And look, there are even different colors. Does this mean the mine contains multiple elements? It seems far superior to the magic mines the empire possesses. Hahaha, doesn't this make us richer than the emperor?" Kamma chuckled from behind Dushala.

Dushala’s expression turned serious. "It's too early to celebrate. These stones can't be sold yet. Think about how much we've invested in developing the magic mine. We've poured the equivalent of Tatur's three-year budget into it."

Kamma’s excitement faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Ha, haha... That's true," he murmured, biting his lip.

𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"And this message is from Suan, from the lawless port. All damaged buildings have been repaired, and it seems the settlement of the immigrant tribes brought from the north has stabilized somewhat."

During Karyl’s absence, Tatur had undergone numerous changes. With the development of the magic mine, Suan Hazar started actively rescuing immigrant tribesmen and slaves, bringing them to Tatur. Soon, the reputation of the Slave King spread across the continent, creating a network of contacts who secretly reached out to him.

Though it was not their original intention, the invisible empire Karyl had envisioned was gradually taking shape in the shadows.

"Suan, that guy... Without Curan around, he's been roaming around the lawless port as if it's his own backyard," Kamma sneered as he sifted through a pile of documents.

"And? What of it?"

"Ah, no, it's a good thing, really. The lawless port has become more stable without Curan. It's a much better place to live now. Hahaha."

Squirming under Dushala's cold gaze, Kamma, quick to pick up on cues, awkwardly laughed and poked the sides of his nearby subordinates.

Damn, that glare... I can't stand this dirty work anymore. Why am I always the one stuck with the grunt work, despite being an administrator like the rest?

Among the administrators of the free city, Kamma's position had always been lower than the other three. In the past, when Tatur had no ruler, they did not encroach upon each other's territories. But now, with a clear ruler, the three administrators ultimately served under Karyl MacGovern. And for some reason, two of the more influential administrators supported that young child, leaving Kamma without recourse.

I should have cozied up to that kid before Dushala made her move. Suan is always out and about anyway... That woman acts like Tatur belongs to her.

Frustration boiled within Kamma, but he couldn’t express it openly. Instead, he busied himself with the remaining documents Dushala had finished with.

"Kamma," Dushala’s voice cut through the silence.

"Eh? Ha, what is it... Do you need help with something?" Surprised, Kamma turned towards her. He nearly blurted out something about helping her with a task but managed to swallow his words. He wanted to preserve at least a shred of his dignity, earned over the years.

"There's something you need to do."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"If you perform well, you might just earn Karyl's trust—the trust you've been coveting. Perhaps, you could even make a return to the political scene."

"The political scene? You mean the principality? Hahaha... You must be kidding. What could an old man like me do there?"

Dushala was the only person in Tatur who knew about Kamma's past. He was once a noble in the principality. However, a series of events had led to the loss of his family, forcing him to flee here. The reason for the large gap between Dushala and him was that he had hidden away upon hearing that Karyl had started dealing with Baron Beryl, due to his past.

"Why? You always said that if you were to return to Lurein, revenge would be your first order of business."

"..."

"It seems that there’s finally an opportunity."

"What do you mean...?"

"Here, a letter from Baron Beryl of the Kadhium magic mine. Well, it’s not directly from him, but rather a report on what he was instructed to do by Karyl," Dushala said, handing him the note she had received earlier.

Kamma, with a puzzled expression on his face, as if not understanding the implication, took the note and read its contents.

"...!!"

As soon as he unfolded the note, Kamma’s expression hardened, his features twisting with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Amused by his reaction, Dushala’s lips curled into a snake-like grin. "Well, what do you think? Surprising, isn't it? The development of the magic mine was impressive in itself, but it seems our master has even grander plans in mind."

"Is this... real?"

"Yes. When the time comes to extract the magic stones from the mine, you are to establish a different trading company than Suan's. It might not restore your nobility, but it’ll be a way for you to proudly return to the principality you were exiled from, won’t it?" Among commoners, the only profession capable of wielding significant influence over a country was that of a merchant, harnessing economic power.

Kamma stared at Dushala, seemingly at a loss for words, as if Karyl had already known about his past when issuing these orders. "No, I mean this part. is it really true? That the principality is preparing for war with the empire by manufacturing magical weaponry?"

Dushala shrugged. "Whether it's true or not, you'll find out soon enough. Even if it's highly confidential, how could someone hiding far away, and unknown to us possess such information?"

"Our master is an extraordinary person. Who knows? The route has already been communicated to Baron Beryl... The people of the lawless port should be somewhat settled by now. We can use them as workers for the trading company. We're not children who need everything spelled out for us." Although she said this, Dushala did not seem displeased in the slightest. Such was the extent of her admiration of Karyl's capabilities.

On the other hand, Kamma’s expression darkened slightly. "What's there to smile about? He leaves all the work to us, but what is he doing?"

"Oh~ Do you want to know?" Dushala chuckled, teasingly waving a piece of paper she had set aside, before handing it to Kamma.

"Kamma, do you know how many tribes live in the southern continent?"

Kamma pondered for a moment before answering, "Well... I'm not sure of the exact number, but if you combine the ten strongest tribes, it must be tens of thousands."

"Exactly. And that number only accounts for the soldiers capable of fighting, excluding the civilians. Now, what about our master's party?"

"Hmm, there’s that strange guy named Aidan, and was there one mercenary?"

"He has acquired another follower in Azor."

"So, that makes it four people. Wait... you knew this already and still asked me?"

Dushala spoke with an exhilarated expression, her words dripping with anticipation, "Do you think you can defeat tens of thousands with just four people?"

"What kind of nonsense..."

"That's exactly what our master plans to do."

"...Huh?"

"Our master has set out to do something utterly ludicrous, incomparable to the tasks he has assigned us."

Kamma's confusion deepened, his bewildered face a clear contrast to Dushala's excitement.

"The Subjugation of the South."

***

"Magic systems should not be thought of as strictly as they are written in spellbooks. Standardized concepts are the bane of true magic. The mana transformation you learned from Aidan is a prime example of this," Karyl advised.

A week had passed since they had left Azor, and as they led their horses along the forest path, Karyl took every opportunity to incorporate Mikhail's magical training.

"Hmm, I see," Mikhail pondered, stroking his chin and nodding as he sat beside Aidan, who was busy starting a campfire.

"After reaching the 3rd Class, it becomes necessary to form new meridians. But before that, it is crucial to unblock any blocked meridians first."

"Wait... Master, doesn’t basic magic theory suggest stabilizing the existing meridians before attempting to unlock the higher Class's meridians?" Mikhail asked cautiously, before swiftly realizing that he might be contradicting Karyl. He quickly covered his mouth, realizing his mistake.

"I apologize," he quickly added, remembering Karyl's earlier advice.

"No. It's not that the foundational magic theory established over the past five hundred years is incorrect. However, from what I know, for the 3rd class, unblocking meridians first can aid in increasing mana." Karyl explained, pausing for a moment before continuing, "This method predates basic magic theory. My mentor used this technique and achieved better results."

"Understood," Mikhail accepted without questioning who Karyl’s mentor was or why this approach wasn't included in modern magic theory. Karyl's words were absolute, especially since he had accomplished feats that even sorcerers from Azor couldn't, such as clearing the Gray Training Ground.

"For the next couple of months of our journey, focus on training your mana following the method I've shown you."

"Yes," Mikhail nodded, fully committing himself to Karyl's instructions.

[Wow, he's really paying attention, huh? Not missing a single detail. Impressive.] Allen interjected jokingly.

I have no choice. I can't exactly tell him to learn magic from a ghost who died a thousand years ago.

Karyl chuckled softly.

[Why not? There's no rule against learning from the dead. Didn't you just say we shouldn’t be confined by standardized concepts?]

Stop nitpicking. In due time, the name Allen Javius will become known once again.

At Karyl's words, Allen crossed his arms and scoffed. "Humph, I'm not interested in that now. All I want is to confront Narh Di Maug, nothing more."

To ask him why he killed you?

[...You really know how to rub the salt in, huh? You have absolutely no tact. I can’t believe I’m sharing all my knowledge with someone like you.]

Not all of it. You’ve placed restrictions. I only have a conceptual understanding. High-level magic knowledge remains locked away.

[That's because you wouldn't be able to use those spells anyway. I did it for your own good.]

Or maybe you were worried I might trade away the forgotten magics?

Karyl smirked.

Within the depths of Azor and within Allen Javius' memories lay a trove of lost spells, learned by the Assembly of Seven Elders, almost all of which are now lost. From the Dawn Society to the Immortal Council, even the Empire and the Principality, even sorcerers with the title of a great sorcerer would desire such knowledge. The appearance of just a single spell would have them scrambling to strike a deal with Karyl.

Especially the Imperial Court Sorcerer, Kadin Luer. That old man would probably even give up a lordship or two just to get his hands on it.

Of course, Karyl had no intention of striking deals with such cunning individuals, but it did highlight the immense value that new magic held for sorcerers.

[Trade that knowledge? Ha, you are quite the comic. Who would believe that a twelve-year-old possesses ancient magic that has been lost for a millennium? It would only hasten your demise.]

And the old snake was right on the mark. Allen knew very well that what Karyl proposed was practically impossible, just a ploy for Karyl to get a higher ground in their relationship.

[Do not worry. Since you've consumed the heart of a dragon, I can't possess your body. Even my magic can't surpass that of a dragon, so it's inevitable.] He seemed to reassure Karyl. [I have shared my knowledge with you under the condition that you will take me to the Platinum Dragon. After being left alone for a millennium, the fate of the continent no longer concerns me.]

The seal of the Gray Training Ground was something Allen couldn't break, and Karyl provided an opportunity to access the artifacts of the Assembly of Seven Elders. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, but considering the cunning of the Assembly of Seven Elders, Karyl remained uneasy despite his preparations.

[So do not be disheartened. Continue doing what you're doing. Watching you is quite entertaining.]

What? When have I ever?

[Hehehe...] Allen chuckled, finding Karyl's reaction amusing.

What kind of deep thoughts go through his mind during those moments of silence? Lately, he seems to be doing it more often...

Unaware of Allen Javius's existence, Mikhail could only assume Karyl was deep in thought.

[Before heading to the Abyssal Rock, are you planning to make a stop at “that place”? It amazes me that it still exists.]

Tatur alone isn't enough. While there are few cities on the continent that remain untouched by kingdoms, establishing them as a base is difficult. After much thought, that place seems most suitable.

"While I agree with that... I doubt merely three people can lay claim to that land."

Allen looked back at Mikhail and Aidan, who were following behind Karyl.

If we can't manage even that, we will just die at the Abyssal Rocks, long before reaching Narh Di Maug's lair.

[...]

Moreover, to reach the Abyssal Rock, we need their strength.

Mikhail looked at Karyl, sensing that the prolonged silence was finally over. And with the end of silence, came the unpredictable commands.

"The land of the Flying Bow Tribe," Karyl spoke softly. "We're heading to the Great Plains."