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Chapter 160 – Delicacy from the East (1)

The so-called shamanism was an eastern magic which could be called a subspecies and variant of the magic that had developed independently on the continent. Unlike the publicly known magicians, shamans rarely showed their appearance and were called the shadows of the civilized world.

For that reason, it had a mysterious image. However, Theodore knew of its essence.

'It is only an average ability.'

The data was scarce compared to other systems, but there were countless records in Meltor of magicians who studied shamanism.

Someone had said, 'It isn't magic or aura.'

Someone else had said, 'It is neither one nor the other.'

Someone else had also said, 'It's a mutation of primitive magic.'

Theodore Miller, a magician of later generations, shared those assessments.

"Young Master Baek, I heard that shamans build magic in the three dantians, rather than the heart like magicians. Is that right?"

"Yes, it is called the three-way loop."

Theodore groaned at the cool answer. 'Urgh, only the name sounds good…'

He knew the basic theories of shamanism, but what he heard from Baek Dongil was more shocking than that.

Shamanism was different from the western magic which had perfected the system of circles a long time ago. The three-way loop was nothing more than a modification of the aura method, which was the foundation of the eastern continent.

In other words, they had been putting together the wrong puzzle pieces from the very beginning. It was obvious that the efficiency of magic was bad when the training method was meant for aura users. As a comparison, it was like using a sword instead of a shovel to dig up the earth.

Additionally, the shamans acted independently in the shadows without appearing in society, so there was no one who could find out and share their error. They never knew they were going in the wrong direction.

Theodore had a sudden thought and asked Baek Jongmyung, "Master Baek, how are shamans received in the east? Not in the eyes of ordinary people, but from the viewpoint of warriors."

Baek Jongmyung frowned while a thick cloud of darkness appeared on Baek Dongil's face. Theo could guess just by looking at their expressions. Unsurprisingly, Baek Jongmyung coughed and shook his head. "Uhh, I can't say that they are very good."

"As I expected."

In retrospect, it was a question which Theo didn't even need to ask. Magic was something which explored the truth of the natural world, not something which people trained within themselves. However, shamans practiced magic in the form of martial arts. The possibilities of humans who could live for 100 years was finite, so it was inefficient to chase after both.

It was no wonder that in the east, the position of those with magic was falling.

"Excuse me, I can't help but ask."

Rather, Theodore couldn't understand why Baek Dongil learned shamanism when he was the descendant of a famous warrior family.

He had to wonder about the desperate situation which would cause Baek Dongil to ask to learn from a foreigner he didn't even have a proper relationship with. Moreover, why did Theodore see his past self in Baek Dongil?

After seeing Theo's questioning, Baek Dongil raised his gaze with a determined expression. Then he revealed the wound that he had suffered for decades. "Sir, I can't learn aura with this body."

Normally, people thought that magic was an ability which depended on talent. However, in actuality, there was no system which didn't depend on what people were born with.

If one's muscle density and bone density weren't high, it was difficult to endure the pressure from aura. Additionally, the strength of the blood vessels which aura flowed through was a problem which couldn't be overcome. Moreover, there was also the issue of a person's talent in swordsmanship.

Given the fact that Theodore, with his minimal magic sensitivity, had been able to reach the 2nd Circle, then aura could be called a wall of harsh talent. For some people, it was impossible for them to use it.

"It is called pulmonary vasculitis."

It was a constitution Baek Dongil had been born with, in which parts of his blood vessels were blocked. It wouldn't kill him, but it was a fatal flaw for someone who had been born as a descendant of a warrior.

He had decided to go on the path of a shaman to get rid of the stigma, but it was hard to even find magic books, let alone a proper mentor. When Baek Dongil felt like he was swimming on the ground, a light shone in front of him.

"Then one day, I was able to see a path."

Seeing a magician whom his father praised…

This person had a strength which allowed a magician to face a sword master. It was a youthful and dignified appearance from someone who was only a few years older than him. That had been the moment when his notion that a shaman could never surpass a warrior had shattered.

Baek Dongil's heart beat wildly as he recalled the scene. He tried to regain his voice as he bowed to Theodore again.

"Sir! I don't dare hope to become your disciple. Please give me one lesson!"

"…I would also like to ask that of you." Baek Jongmyung walked next to his son and bowed respectfully. Baek Dongil looked at his father with puzzled eyes.

However, Baek Jongmyung continued in a heartfelt voice, "He might be a foolish son, but he has a good head. It is fine while you stay in this country. In the name of the Baek Family, I will be sure to repay Sir Ted."

"Father…"

A sword master, who was treated like a noble in any country, was bowing like this to Theodore.

In the meantime, Baek Jongmyung had only been a strict father. Therefore, Baek Dongil's eyes couldn't help turning red. To Baek Jongmyung, Dongil was a precious child, so he couldn't help feeling sick at his pain.

Theodore raised his hands like it couldn't be helped. "Phew… Please sit comfortably."

Shortly after that, he looked at Baek Dongil and said, "Young Master Baek."

"Yes."

"From now on, I will treat you as a magician and not a member of the Baek Family. Will you accept that?"

Theodore's voice was firm, causing Baek Dongil to respond in a trembling voice, "S-Sir! Does this mean…"

"It is too early to be pleased. There are many different parts between shamanism and magic. I will teach you a few things that you need to know."

"I will do whatever you tell me!" Baek Dongil's eyes shone as he responded. Now, he thought he could be one of the pillars of the family, even if he couldn't use aura. Of course, such a pillar was useless to Theodore.

"I want you to bring all the books about shamanism that you have collected so far. If you have anything related to shamanism in your luggage, bring it to my room. The sooner the better."

"I understand, Sir!"

"And one more thing," Theodore sighed like it was burdensome and decided to correct the title, "Stop calling me 'Sir.' I'm not used to it, and it is burdensome."

"Yes, then what should I call you?"

"Speak to me comfortably."

Baek Dongil pondered for close to five minutes before the honorific emerged from his mouth, "Then what about Big Brother?"

"…Why don't you think about it some more?" Theodore sighed as he once again realized the thick wall of different cultures.

* * *

That evening, a few wagons headed to the annex where Theodore was staying. They contained goods brought from the east. The wagons with an unusual appearance were filled with musty books, scrolls, and unknown objects. Theodore grinned at the sight.

'Okay. Isn't this just as much as the materials piled up in the warehouses of the magic towers?'

As expected from the Baek Family. They had once been a prestigious member of their country. The rich family had fallen, but they had tried to save as many things as possible.

Even if more than half of these items were garbage, the other half would be sufficient profit. Most of the magic tower's books on shamanism were basic books or were interpreted from the view of a magician. There were no opportunities to touch original books about shamanism.

"Brother, I've brought everything you told me to!" Baek Dongil dragged the last wagon and approached Theodore.

Although Baek Dongil couldn't use aura, he was a descendant of a warrior, so he had trained his physical abilities. He had pulled the wagon quite a distance, but there was no rough breathing.

Theodore nodded, smiling at Baek Dongil's puppy-like attitude which sought his praise. "Yes, well… Where should I start?"

Thus far, it was okay. Theodore was nervous as he picked up a book from the wagon.

It was an old-fashioned silk-bound book. The faded letters on the covers showed how much time had passed and how many hands it had passed through. First, after making sure that the contents could be read, Theodore took a deep breath.

He concentrated on his left hand which was holding the book.

'Appraisal.'

Theodore looked to the front as he felt the tongue emerge from his palm. He waited for the usual information window while hoping that Gluttony's ability would work. His expectations were rewarded.

[Nine Rulers Magic Book]

[-This is a book about the spells recorded in the grimoire, 'Pobakja.' It explains the concept of nine laws. This law is a guideline which exerts its power by making nine types of markings, enhancing the power of shamanism, and exerting great power on the body. It is sometimes referred to as 'Hexagonal Stockpile,' and the efficacy can be different depending on the order in which it is made.

* You have no understanding. (0%)

* This magic book is rated 'Rare.'

* When consumed, the proficiency of 'Nine Laws' will increase greatly.

* It is an original book written by the author, but the soul has become weathered after many years. It can't be a target of Overwrite, and the fragment of the soul can be absorbed without 'Transmission.'

"Oh…!���

Theodore couldn't suppress the exclamation. The magic book he'd picked up without any thought turned out to be an original book. It was also of the 'Rare' grade, which he had only been able to find a few over the past year. The author's soul was too weathered, but it was still a good profit.

At that moment, a thunderbolt flashed through Theodore's mind.

"Dongil."

"Yes, Brother."

"How are books reprinted on the continent? Apart from ordinary books… things like books on shamanism."

Then Baek Dongil answered with a curious expression, "Reprinted?"

"What?"

"Isn't it usually the case that such books are kept hidden from others? It can't be helped if it is a desperate situation, but there is usually only one copy."

Theodore reflexively covered his mouth as he got the answer he'd wanted.

Duplication magic didn't exist in the eastern continent. Moreover, it was a closed structure where knowledge was only shared with one's disciple and blood relatives. Unlike the western continent where simple magic could be learned, the magic of the East was hidden.

Perhaps all the books in these wagons were—

"…Original books."

After one year, there was the emergence of a variable which might knock down that thick wall.

Chapter 161 – Delicacy from the East (2)

"It took more time than I thought…" Theodore mumbled before setting down the thought.

This was because the language was unfamiliar, despite having received Lee Yoonsung's knowledge. It took him three or four times longer than usual to finish reading.

Furthermore, it was common for the magic books to use not only Chinese characters but also special languages such as Sanskrit and Urdu. They were languages which Lee Yoonsung didn't know.

So, Theo had no choice but to learn from the beginning.

'Well, it has been a long time since I've studied this way.'

It had been around the time when he entered Bergen Academy. He remembered his desperate days of spending all night studying over paper.

Theodore recalled the memories as he replaced the worn down pen. Over the past fortnight, he had used more than a dozen ink cartridges. If it wasn't for recovery magic, he would've got a stress fracture in his wrist.

If Theodore had to study like this, what about the warrior's son?

"B-Brother…" A faint voice called out from the desk next to Theo. Like Theodore, dozens of books were piled up in front of Baek Dongil, who had a dark stubble.

Baek Dongil was in the same predicament as Theodore. Along with runes, which could be called the basics of a magician, it was necessary to raise his skill in the common language to the level of a local. Additionally, there were the mathematics and geometry skills needed to calculate the magic formulas.

However, Theodore was a cruel figure when it came to studying.

Clack!

There was no chanting. Healing and Refresh, the two spells which were triggered with a single tap of his fingers, wrapped around Baek Dongil's body. The combined magic which healed physical fatigue and mental fatigue was really effective.

"Are you okay now?"

It was as Theo said. The dark circles under Baek Dongil's eyes lightened up, and his throbbing fingers, sore from hours of use, felt lighter. However, the accumulated tiredness was still the same, causing Baek Dongil to look at Theodore with a sullen face.

"Uhh… I still can't get used to this feeling, despite experiencing it a few times."

"It is still just a shortcut. This is already the eighth time, and the gap between recovery spells is getting smaller… It is a little early, but we will end it here for today."

Magic was limited when it came to recovering the body. If recovery magic was used repeatedly, the effect would decrease. Additionally, the body which received the excessive magic power in a short period of time would become temporarily resistant to magic.

Of course, people from the magic tower would've collapsed from dizziness at least 20 times already. However, their physical bodies couldn't be compared to Baek Dongil, despite him still being a beginner.

Once Theodore's permission was given, Baek Dongil got up from the seat he had been stuck in for hours and grumbled, "Urgh! But Brother, do I really need to learn this official language? Can't Brother teach me instead of reading the books?"

"No, that won't work," Theodore firmly rejected the idea.

Theodore had faithfully accumulated his knowledge, so he knew that such a narrow viewpoint wouldn't work.

A person who used a shortcut for a comfortable path would have their ankle grabbed one day by the insincere attitude. This method might seem insufficient now, but it wouldn't be easy to forget the words.

For magicians who pursued infinite wisdom, oblivion was the worst enemy. A person who couldn't find a path through their own will would eventually wander in silence.

"You can't forget to set up the foundation of a pillar just because you're in a hurry. As a descendant of a warrior, don't you know what happens to a person who neglects the foundations?"

"T-That…" Baek Dongil stammered at the sharp words.

This made Theodore pat his shoulder and smile. "I understand that your heart is urgent. Is it because I will leave this country soon?"

"…I have nothing to say." The boy dropped his head with a red face, embarrassed because his inner thoughts had been exposed. It was a situation where he had a time limit regarding his teacher, and his young age meant he couldn't calm his mind while knowing this.

Theodore knew Baek Dongil's mindset, but teaching him that would be the worse answer. So, Theodore stated in a quiet voice, "Dongil."

"Yes, Brother."

"I am teaching you as asked, but I can't be a true mentor."

Baek Dongil's eyes shook slightly at the words. He replied in a heavy tone, "I-I see. It has only been a fortnight, but… starting at my age and expecting great achievements…"

"No, that isn't the point."

"Huh?" Baek Dongil raised his head at Theo's decisive voice. He stared earnestly into Theodore's blue eyes and gulped.

"Your skills are quite excellent, but I'm not a good teacher. You have an abundance of power but are still immature. I can only tell you the path that you should take."

"..."

"Magic isn't something that can be learned in just a few months. If you do it that way, you won't be able to get a glimpse of it, from birth to death. Are you going to walk along that path?"

After listening to him, the cloudiness returned to Baek Dongil's eyes. It was the so-called heart demon. Could it be due to the accumulated discipline built up in him since childhood…? Baek Dongil's eyes eventually cleared up as he continued listening to Theodore speak.

"Obviously, the amount of time during which I can teach you is short. However, there are many magicians, and some of them are suitable to be your teacher. My role is to build up your foundations for when you meet that good mentor."

"…B-Brother." Baek Dongil lowered his head with shame after hearing the truth from Theodore.

It made a lot of sense. How could he impart great knowledge to Baek Dongil, who hadn't even reached the threshold of a beginner? It was obvious that Baek Dongil wouldn't understand even if he was taught. Once he accumulated his basic knowledge, he could learn under another teacher or enter an academy.

Baek Dongil had an enlightened expression on his face. He was too embarrassed to be overly grateful, but the atmosphere was too heavy to remain silent.

Theodore noticed the atmosphere half a beat later and rose to his feet. "Let's start again tomorrow at noon. Until then, review what you've studied and have a good rest."

"Yes, Brother! I'll finish it thoroughly!" Baek Dongil responded vigorously, before looking at the stack of books on Theodore's desk.

Baek Dongil hadn't finished learning the official language, but Theodore was already reading the magic books by himself. Baek Dongil was quite confident in his studying ability, but his pace was much slower.

"By the way, Brother is really awesome. You must've received a lot of praise from your elders since you were a child, and you were definitely called a genius right?"

"…No." Theodore smiled bitterly as he spoke of his old nickname, "In the academy, I failed three times and was called a dunce."

"Y-Yes?!"

"Maybe it is one of the reasons why I am teaching you. You resemble my old self."

Baek Dongil couldn't say anything as the unknown past flashed before Theodore's eyes. Theodore patted Baek Dongil on the shoulder again before turning away from him. Then the door closed without a sound, with only the faint echo of footsteps in the corridor.

The memories were like faded watercolors.

* * *

After finishing the study session with Baek Dongil, Theodore had a quick meal and then returned to his room. The sun was setting in the western sky, turning it a reddish color. Normally, it would be time to feed Gluttony and spar with Randolph… but not today.

Theodore looked at the book before him and muttered, "…In the end, it is this one."

A fortnight wasn't a long time. In the meantime, Theodore had only gotten a high degree of understanding with three or four books of shamanism. There was the [Nine Rulers Magic Book] he picked up on the first day, but Theodore was drawn to another shamanism book.

He cheered when he first saw the information window.

[Art of Onmyōdō Treatise]

[-This book explains the magic system based on the theory of yin and yang. The author divided the world into yin and yang, as all things maintain balance and harmony when interacting with each other, such as water and fire. The author's understanding of the laws of nature has reached an advanced state, but the author was murdered by ???? (can't be determined).

* Your understanding is very high. (96.9%)

* This magic book is rated 'Precious.'

* When consumed, you can learn 'Art of Onmyōdō.'

* When consumed, understanding of magic attributes will greatly increase.

* This is an original book written by the author. However, since he wrote six books, his power is divided into six. Even so, the fragment of soul inside this book is powerful and maintains an individual ego.

'It is best to eat this book.'

The prudent Theodore judged that [Art of Onmyōdō Treatise] was the most useful book for him right now.

This idea grew, instead of diminishing, as he slowly read through the 'Art of Onmyōdō Treatise'. Art of Onmyōdō was the technique of combining two incompatible powers. Learning this would give Theodore a solution to his unfinished spell. He could batter at the master's wall, possibly destroying it.

Theodore made the decision and stretched out his hand, dragging the magic scroll into his hands. The scroll was worth at least a few gold, but Theodore tore it without any hesitation.

Puhwaak!

Simultaneously, a light burst out. The light wasn't attack magic or secondary magic. It was a special spell which produced an object with the same shape and weight, as long as certain conditions were met. Theodore had created a copy of the scroll.

As two versions of the same book appeared, Theodore picked up the copy and placed it on his desk. This was done with the consent of Baek Dongil which he had obtained in advance.

'Well, to most people, there will be no difference between the original and the copy.'

There might be some financial differences, but it was a penny compared to how much money the Baek Family had. Therefore, Baek Dongil had easily accepted the request.

"Okay, this is finished."

His preparations were over. Theodore then sat on the bed without hesitation and aimed his left hand toward [Art of Onmyōdō Treatise]. In this situation, only one sentence would emerge. "Eat, Gluttony."

The red tongue immediately swallowed the book, as if it had been waiting.

['Art of Onmyōdō' has been consumed. Your understanding is very high.]

[Your perception of magic attributes has greatly increased.]

[Accepting the proficiency of 'Art of Onmyōdō'… failed.]

[An original book has been consumed. The synchro rate with object name 'Abe no Seimei' is being checked… Blocked. Abe no Seimei has refused to sync with the user. You can try to force a sync using the permissions of a user, but it is not recommended.]

"W-What?!"

Synchro was refused! Theodore was shocked because he had never experienced this before. Not only was synchro denied, the task of absorbing the proficiency of 'Art of Onmyōdō' had failed. It was like the original book had blown up. Fortunately, the system wasn't done yet.

Once again, it was the first time Theodore had experienced this type of message.

[Object name 'Abe no Seimei' is asking for a conversation with the user. Would you like to accept?]

"Before that, I want to ask something."

Rather than responding to Abe no Seimei's request, Theodore wanted an answer for this unprecedented situation. Gluttony was strictly confidential about hidden functions or certain information, but it didn't care much about the functions which had already been revealed.

Unsurprisingly, it replied in a blunt voice, –Do you want to ask why the synchro was rejected?

"Of course. So far, you've never mentioned it."

–To be precise, it wasn't that I hadn't told you, but more like I couldn't.

An ordinary person might ask for more, but Theodore stopped and thought about it.

It wasn't that it hadn't, but that it hadn't been able to. In other words, the authors of original books didn't have the ability to do so. Then how did the author called Abe no Seimei have this ability?

To confirm his guess, Theodore opened his mouth again and asked, "Abe no Seimei. Is he special?"

–Special… that word isn't wrong. Simply put, his spirit is high.

"Spirit is high?"

-That's right. He wasn't fully transcendent, but he was close to the end of a mortal existence. The strength of such an existence can't be completely subdued. You could connect with Myrdal because he accepted the connection.

Theodore groaned slightly. It meant that among the authors he had met so far, Abe no Seimei was possibly stronger than a master. This might be an existence comparable to the great elementalist, Myrdal.

In the end, he was encountering such a monster in an original book about shamanism.

Theodore declared to Gluttony with a determined expression, "I will accept Abe no Seimei's request."

Chapter 162 – Delicacy from the East (3)

The system responded to his permission.

[After confirming the user's intention, object name 'Abe no Seimei' will be called. Checking the communication connection… Success, object name 'Abe no Seimei' has approved the two-way communication.]

[He will temporarily be synchronized with the user's consciousness.]

Simultaneously, the voice disappeared, and darkness covered Theodore's eyes. It was a darkness which didn���t tolerate the presence of life.

Theodore looked around the darkness with a feeling of déjà vu, and he soon figured out the cause of the darkness. It was the same as when he heard the 'quests' in the Pirate Archipelago. Maybe this was the only space where he could converse with the authors.

As before, light particles gathered in front of him. Abe no Seimei… This was the appearance of an existence who couldn't be handled even with Gluttony's 4th seal released.

'Based on only the physique… It is hard to know.'

Theodore looked nervously at the shape which was gradually forming from the light.

He estimated that the figure's height was 170cm, but the gender couldn't be discerned. It was difficult to judge because the eyes were male while the jaw was feminine. Shortly after that, Abe no Seimei's form was completed.

The hem of his sleeves went down to his thighs, while his long hair, which flowed from underneath the strange hat he wore, had a black shine like ebony. He was wearing white clothing similar to a robe, with red cloth woven in. It was clothing that Theodore had never seen in any literature.

However, Theodore could only calmly observe Seimei up to there.

Ping-

The moment that he saw the last part of Seimei's form, the nose, an unfamiliar dizziness filled Theodore's mind. Seimei had pale white skin and bright golden eyes. Apart from the cultural difference, it was a beauty which anyone would admire. However, Theodore felt an inexplicable sense of hostility.

"Urgh." Theodore gritted his teeth as he was filled with the desire to attack.

Meanwhile, Seimei's eyes widened with surprise. "Ho, an interesting power is protecting you."

Of course, it was obvious that something was causing this hostility. As Theodore stared at Seimei, he tried to suppress his boiling magic power. "You are Abe no Seimei?"

"That's right," the onmyōji, Abe no Seimei, said with a nod as he opened the fan in his hand. "This body is a 2nd generation onmyōji leader, originally Tsuchimikado Abe. I am Onmyōji Seimei."

Theodore replied with a bleak expression, "I don't understand what you are saying."

"Hrmm, you are someone who can't read the atmosphere. In this situation, it is reasonable to agree enthusiastically."

"I don't know who you are, but I don't like feeling like this. Can you explain?" Theodore couldn't think about the atmosphere due to the hostility he felt.

However, Seimei countered Theodore's doubts calmly. "I was just playing a small trick. The hostility isn't coming from me but from yourself."

"Myself?"

"To be exact, it is coming from your neck."

'My neck?' Theodore touched his neck and was surprised to feel a cool chill pouring out. It was at the place where Aquilo had injected her blood. The mark which remained there was shining blue. This was a phenomenon Theodore had never experienced before.

However, unlike him, Seimei seemed to already know the situation and wasn't confused.

Seimei said, "Dragon of the west, a strong proprietary feeling. A female?"

Dragon's blood itself created a powerful magic resistance. Theodore's own magic power wasn't affected, but it was conscious of any magic from the outside. However, Aquila's blood mark was reacting more than that. It was showing an extreme hostility toward Seimei.

Theodore concentrated on the mark on his neck.

'I know you are helping me, but just relax,' he consciously suppressed the blood mark.

Theodore managed to calm his head and looked at Seimei again.

Seimei was a man with the beauty of a woman. It was different from Ellenoa's neutral charm. Seimei transmitted the beauty of both sexes. Perhaps due to the mood, the silhouette of Seimei's face looked like a fox.

Theodore opened his mouth with a wary expression, "Was that why you called me?"

"No, it was just a prank," Seimei spoke with his fan covering his mouth. "The real test will begin now. This is why I called you. If you fail to live up to my expectations, I won't be able to give you 'Art of Onmyōdō.'"

"What is the reason for the test?"

"I've already experienced that there is nothing as dangerous as giving strength to an unqualified person." The playful atmosphere was gone in an instant, with Seimei's voice showing his seriousness.

As Gluttony had said, Seimei had almost reached the end of a mortal existence, so his pressure pushed heavily on Theodore's shoulder. The pressure was high even in comparison to back when he faced one of the Seven Swords of the empire.

The great onmyōji declared in a majestic voice, "If you really want my 'Art of Onmyōdō,' you must first get the recognition of this Seimei."

A fragment of a soul in the original book was going to test Theodore…?

Theodore was dumbfounded, but Seimei's words did make sense. Gluttony's power, 'original books predation,' was a magic which defied comprehension and could reproduce the magic without any errors. As a person who had made a name for himself in his era, it was natural for Seimei to want to verify the person desiring that knowledge.

"Is it an art that you have to be careful about transferring?" Theodore asked with a cautious attitude after guessing the reason.

"Huh? It isn't a dangerous technique," Seimei answered. It was a surprising reply. Theodore was bothered by it, but Seimei fanned his face and continued. "Well, your words aren't entirely wrong. I don't know about anyone else, but it is extremely dangerous in your hands."

"…What do you mean?"

"According to its name, the Art of Onmyōdō is a method of harmony between yin and yang. Therefore, the interaction with harmony will be amplified in accordance with the power of the opposing forces." Then Seimei pointed his fan at Theodore and continued to say, "I don't know how you obtained them, but there are two enormous types of forces twisting in your body. One is the flame of extinction that burns the heavens and the earth, while the other is the blood of a sea dragon. If you can properly control them using the Art of Onmyōdō… your strength will be enough to destroy a country."

Indeed, Theodore couldn't deny the eerie words. The power of the two opposing forces joining together had been proven in his spar with Baek Jongmyung.

If Theodore could threaten a sword master with an incomplete version while still at the 6th Circle, what about after reaching the 7th Circle and completing it? It might evolve into a magic which could literally destroy a mountain.

However, what if the person who acquired such magic was evil? No, even if they weren't an evil person, it was still risky. This was a power huge enough to disrupt the balance.

Seimei urged him to answer with cold eyes. "Now, what will you do? Will you accept this test?"

Should Theodore accept it now or postpone it until later? There was a choice to not accept it. Theodore was troubled for a moment about the two roads ahead of him. He could wait until he released Gluttony's 5th seal, ignore Seimei's test, and force the synchro. Of course, there was also the quest, and his relationship with Seimei would become a mess.

'…Backing off isn't a good choice either.'

His intuition had evolved over time and through several crises.

The words he spoke to Baek Dongil had meant something. Theodore couldn't reach his goal if he stuck to a comfortable road or took a shortcut. This was also true if he backed away. The trial wouldn't wait for the challenger, and there was no law that the opportunity would always be there.

So, Theodore believed in himself and stepped forward. "The test, let's start it straight away."

"-Ohu." Seimei smiled, folded the fan, and touched his lips with it. "Young men are excellent at recognizing opportunities! I thought you would step back here."

"There is no need for flattery."

"Huh, is that so? Are you pouting?"

Theodore could easily tell that Seimei was guarded against him. Perhaps it was due to the two powers inside him, or for other reasons. Either way, the current Theodore could do only one thing.

Being straightforward was the best option. The right answer was to say that he would break Seimei's test. It was meaningless to step back against the already vigilant Seimei. Theodore's declaration was the right answer as the playfulness was erased from Seimei's face.

Then Seimei said, "Good. Then let the wind bring the trials!"

Wuuong-

A wind started blowing over from somewhere. This was the spiritual world created by Gluttony where the laws of physics didn't exist, so the 'wind' was indeed an unnatural phenomenon.

The pitch black space filled with color, and the landscape turned into a ridge which Theodore had never seen before. Pink petals rubbed against his cheeks, and the sun appeared in the new sky. It was hard to imagine this was just an illusion.

'This… Is this a landscape Seimei created?'

Seimei's voice entered the nervous Theodore's ears, 「This Abe no Seimei is most interested in judging people according to the virtue of 'Heaven, Earth, and Human.'」

"Heaven, Earth and Human…?"

「The heavens, the earth, and people. You will know the meaning when you take my test.」 Seimei then started the test with a loud and dignified voice, 「Chapter 1, I will start with the 'Human' test.」

In response to that, a system message popped up.

[You have accepted the request of object name 'Abe no Seimei.' The difficulty of this stage is quite high. If you fail or give up along the way, you can't challenge it again.]

[Test of 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Human chapter' will start in 30 seconds.]

[Success Reward: Skill 'Art of Onmyōdō', Seimei's recognition, and you can see some information related to ????.]

[Failure Fee: Failure to acquire the skill 'Art of Onmyōdō', Seimei's quest is not available.]

[Test of 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Human chapter' is starting.]

Chapter 163 – Heaven, Earth and Human Test (1)

As Theodore looked reflexively at the information window before him, Seimei started to explain the 'Human Test,' 「It is good to devote yourself to training every day. However, if you can't use that power to protect people, it is just a meaningless disaster like a typhoon or flood. In the Human Test, I will look back on the lives you have saved before.」

"The lives I have saved…?"

「The value of life can't just be assessed by men and women. Using the most equitable and reasonable standard, as well as considering your age, I will take 10,000 lives as the bottom line. 」

10,000 lives…! It was easy to say, but that was a number which made up an army. Besides, it wasn't simply helping them but saving their lives. This made the difficulty rise to an absurd level.

Seimei said he considered Theodore's young age, but in the end, it was an attempt to make him give up the test. However, Theodore nodded without a single sign of agitation. "I understand."

Seimei was confused by the calm answer. 「…You're going to accept this condition? 」

"Does that mean you are overcharging me?"

「O-Of course not…」 Seimei muttered in a voice filled with embarrassment. Just like how a gambler with high odds of winning was cautious against bluffs, it seemed like Seimei became reluctant due to Theodore's unwavering attitude.

However, Seimei denied his suspicions. Saving that many lives… it was a miracle only possible for heroes of the Age of Mythology. Perhaps that unusual calmness meant Theodore had already inwardly abandoned the 'Human Test.'

Seimei guessed this and spoke again, 「I understand. From now on, I will go back through your life and count the number of lives that have been saved! 」

Simultaneously, the technique of 'Causality Mirror' was used. This was top-level shamanism which had been practiced long ago, and it was used to gain insight into the past. It was incredible that it could be reproduced after Seimei's death.

"Ah." Theodore realized that he was on a familiar hill. He looked around involuntarily, then he heard Seimei's voice, as if confirming his conjecture.

「Oho, this is your hometown. 」

It was as Seimei said. The Miller Barony, the place where Theodore had grown up, was spread under his feet. However, it wasn't the peaceful landscape where wheat grew during the harvest season. It was a battlefield where living corpses tangled together with people.

The scene where the undead had attacked, filled with the smell of blood and death, was still vivid in his mind. The struggle with the elder lich was reproduced right before his eyes.

Seimei quietly contemplated until the memory ended, then he settled the results according to the 'Human Test.'

He spoke in a voice which wasn't filled with any surprise at the presence of the elder lich. 「It is a fight against the black magic that summoned the undead. You did a considerable amount of work with the help of others. There are over 100 people in the village, and you prevented the aftermath that would've happened next… Okay, that is 1,000 lives.」

Seimei acknowledged that Theo had saved 1,000 lives. The result was limited due to the mercenaries who had helped defend the village, as well as two people who had aided him against the elder lich.

It was a large number, but when thinking of the quota, Theo had only filled 10%. Nonetheless, Theodore accepted the result without any objections. "Well, it is a reasonable number."

That said, this wasn't the only incident.

「Hrmm, then let's go to the next one.」 Seimei was slowly becoming more uncomfortable. He had been sure the quota couldn't be filled, but his confidence was shaken after seeing Theodore's innocent face.

Then the causal scene changed. It became a dark alley, the stronghold of thieves. This was the outskirts of Bergen, which Theo had infiltrated in order to rescue the captured elves. The series of circumstances that Theodore remembered flowed before their eyes.

Piing!

As soon as Theodore's Magic Bullet destroyed the head of the thief, the world stopped again.

「You are like a typical hero, rescuing the long-eared family who had become slaves.」

"Long-eared family? Is that what you call the elves in the East?"

「Their ears are long. I admit that it isn't a good name, but an easy to understand name lasts for a long time. 」

Soon after that, Seimei came to a conclusion, 「I will count this as 100. 」

"I understand."

「Hrmm.」

It was a brief response. Seimei felt a strange feeling rising in his stomach at Theo's dull answer. He had expected to be questioned about the number '100,' yet why was this youth acting like this? However, Seimei pushed his irritation down and headed to the next memory.

The confrontation with the legend ranked grimoire, 'Laevateinn,' was reproduced.

「Hah…」 Seimei cried out in a loud voice for the first time, unlike his usual taunting or playful tone.

He was an onmyōji, so he could see how dangerous these flames were. Theodore had literally saved the world in this fight. Even if it wasn't the world, it couldn't be denied that Theo had saved all the elves living in the Great Forest. Additionally, the lowest estimation of that would be in the hundreds of thousands.

Needless to say, Theodore had surpassed Seimei's 'Human Test' with this one fight.

「…This… I have to admit it! 」

The Causality Mirror wasn't simply a recollection of the past but a top-level magic which looked at all the associated people. Thus, Seimei was forced to give a passing grade for Theo's heroic actions.

It was worth more than 10,000 lives, even with the help of the high elves, the help of the elemental ruler, and the cooperation of Theodore's fellow magicians. Furthermore, there were still events left to see. However, Seimei thought it was sufficient and stopped the technique.

Then he spoke in a clear voice, 「Young man from the West, are you a protagonist who emerged from a heroic saga somewhere? 」

Theodore tried to speak, but he couldn't. It wasn't a question asking for an answer. So, instead, he realized it was Seimei's sincere compliment. Then the system messages announcing the end of the 'Human Test' appeared.

[You have passed the 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Human chapter.']

[The progress at the current stage is 33.3%.]

[Step 2: Go to the 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Earth Chapter.']

At the next moment, Theodore realized he had returned to the original space. Nothing was visible except darkness. He could only see Seimei, who was looking at him with a peculiar expression.

"Honestly, I'm amazed," Seimei remarked.

"..."Theo didn't respond.

"A young man who saved so many lives is standing before me. I was confident in my own time, but maybe that was self-conceit."

The young man who had called Seimei's soul in an unknown way… His identity might be suspicious, but… instead of failing, he had passed the test. Perhaps this encounter was an opportunity to solve the problem that Seimei himself couldn't solve. Seimei gazed at Theodore with deep eyes.

If this was the case, then he would verify the possibility with the other two tests.

"I will explain this test."

If the 'Human Chapter' tested the 'responsibility of a person with power,' then the 'Earth Chapter' tested the virtue of 'not being overwhelmed by one's own strength.' There was nothing as ugly as senseless violence, so strong patience was required for the 'Earth Test.'

"The 'Earth Test' is to confirm your faith in yourself and the patience to not succumb to temptation. Is it possible for you to stand upright in front of the temptation that you have faced?"

Everyone faced their own temptations, and their lives were determined by whether they gave in or resisted it. Childhood dreams faded into faint memories, and it wasn't uncommon for a boy who dreamed of becoming a righteous knight to end up as a thief for a few gold coins.

It was said that mountains and rivers wouldn't change in 10 years, but people always changed. The path chosen by people would change according to their choices. Rather than words, actions were what defined a person.

Theodore looked at his last 20 years and stood upright. "Yes, I can do it."

He couldn't say that he had never looked up at the sky in shame, but he hadn't lived a shameful life. In a sense, this might be a privilege of the young. The passing years were short, and the youthfulness meant they were faithful to their inner hearts, rather than worldly desires.

Seimei nodded at the sure answer and pointed to Theodore's head with his fan. Then he made a simple gesture with his other hand and said, "Path of Five Desires."

* * *

Theodore screamed without any sound, "――――――!"

It was only a short time in reality, with approximately five seconds passing since Seimei had cast the spell. However, during those five seconds, Theodore experienced at least 50 years of life.

He was expelled from Bergen Academy and retired to the country.

He agreed to the black market's dealer's proposal and entered the world of back alleys.

He ran away from Ellenoa.

He couldn't stop [Laevateinn].

He fell to Aquilo's temptation and became her possession.

Of course, not all the memories remained. Like dimly shaded twilight, they were remnants of a long time ago. Theodore experienced the opposite side of a fork in the road, the one he hadn't chosen.

There were lives which ended tragically and lives in which he lived peacefully. There was also a life in which he grasped enormous wealth and a life during which he was surrounded by beauties. He experienced a life where he returned home and quit magic, and a life marked by enormous achievements on all continents.

Seimei watched all of it and briefly commented, "Indeed, an eventful life."

It was a life which seemed to be a sheer cliff. If Theodore had given up even once, he wouldn't be standing here now. In an era where people were scrambling to be heroes, someone had reached here with a normal body.

Seimei had a feeling of admiration for Theodore. Then he threw a joke at Theodore, who was mentally exhausted. "By the way, I have something to ask you, regardless of whether you pass the test or not."

"..."

"Do you have a problem of sexual dysfunction?"

Tok, it was the sound of someone's sense of reason snapping.

Chapter 164 – Heaven, Earth and Human Test (2)

Kiiing-!

Theodore couldn't stand it anymore, and Magic Bullet burst out from his fingertip. The power of the flash was now enough to penetrate 6th Circle defense magic. In fact, it was such a perfect surprise attack that even a sword master's aura might be delayed by one beat.

However, it didn't do any good against this target.

"Whoa, whoa. Don't be so angry. Calm down. Is this a story that can't be discussed among men?" Seimei said.

He'd gotten rid of Theodore's Magic Bullet without leaving a trace.

It wasn't simply blocking or deflecting it. He had destroyed it completely. The 7th Circle magic, Dispel, couldn't exceed the casting speed of Magic Bullet, but Seimei's hand gestures had plenty of time to spare. Theodore's head cooled down instantly after seeing the incomprehensible phenomenon.

Seimei seemed to realize Theodore's tension as he spoke to Theodore in a smug tone, "Your body doesn't have any physical problems, so it needs to be approached from a mental point of view."

"Does this have anything to do with the Earth Test?"

"Uhuh! Young man, that question is really stupid!"

Theodore was sick of Seimei's voice, but Seimei started to rave about the meaning of the 'Heaven, Earth, and Human' test.

"Men are yang, women are yin. The Art of Onmyōdō is also about the harmony between man and woman, so why are you ashamed? You shouldn't have such an attitude!" Seimei's loud voice expressed his pride of being an onmyōji.

However, Theodore didn't even raise an eyebrow as he responded in a calm voice, "So, what do you want to say?"

"Which female suits your taste the most?" The dignified onmyōji actually asked such a question. "Is it the girl with the silver hair who napped in the carriage? The quarter dragon who always enjoys skin contact with you? The long-eared family member who has a charming atmosphere, or the sea dragon who bit your neck?"

"What the hell are you saying now—"

"I am curious about why you continue to ignore their affection."

When Seimei finished talking, Theodore's face stiffened like he was made of wax. Seimei's words pushed at a topic which Theo had been avoiding unconsciously. Theo's mind wasn't prepared for it.

However, before Theodore could speak an excuse, Seimei spoke with narrowed eyes, "Don't think of any excuses. The 'Path of Five Desires' technique is a spell that grasps the desires dwelling within humans, so I already know."

"D-Damn bastard…!" Theodore was dismayed at having his inner thoughts read, but there was nothing he could do against Seimei. His opponent was a monster with unknown depths, who had destroyed Magic Bullet with a wave of his fan and created an illusion which felt like 50 years.

So, Theodore chose to breathe calmly. Seimei wouldn't have brought this up for no reason. Theodore's two anger-filled eyes sank deeply.

'Why did I ignore them when I know their hearts?'

Theodore already knew the answer. He just didn't want to face it. Maybe it was because he had seen the other possibilities during the 'Earth Chapter,' so he could now look at his weakness with a clear eye.

"…I wasn't ready yet."

"Ready, that is also a silly answer." Seimei, however, snorted and denied the answer. "You can't always be prepared in life. There is no guarantee that 1,000 years of peace won't be broken tomorrow. How much does a man need to prepare to accept a woman's feelings? What are the necessary qualifications?"

"That…" Theodore closed his mouth at the words.

After hearing 'qualifications,' an insidious snake rose in his heart and whispered negative thoughts.

Theodore was from a humble noble family. He had just happened to stumble upon a grimoire and wasn't actually suitable for the women who shone brilliantly.

So, he had been constantly running away. He had tried to fill up his self-esteem by becoming stronger every day and telling himself that there was no time to waste on love and feelings. He had believed that he could someday face these emotions when he had become stronger.

"Hrmm, I guess you can see a little bit now." Seimei smiled when he saw the eyes of the young man become blurred with impatience.

"…Seimei."

"What is it?"

"How do I act from now on?"

"Of course, I don't know." Seimei tapped his temple with his folded fan and smiled. "Well, you don't have to worry about it right now. You have faced it in your unconscious mind, so you will be able to deal with them more honestly in the future. A man who died a thousand years ago can't give advice about love affairs today! My friendly advice ends here."

Why was it that Theodore was no longer angry after seeing Seimei's facial expression?

Perhaps it was because a problem which had been lingering in Theodore's mind was now resolved because of Seimei. Or maybe it was because he had become accustomed to Seimei's talking style? Either way, this conversation was worth it.

Theodore's complexion returned to normal, and Seimei continued to speak, "Now, you have obviously passed the Earth Chapter."

Just like the 'Human Test,' several system messages emerged.

[You have passed the 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Earth chapter.']

[The progress at the current stage is 66.6%.]

[After 30 seconds, you will automatically enter the third stage 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Heaven Chapter.']

'The Heaven Test…' Theodore looked at the sentence and worried about what it would be like.

Since ancient times, the sky had symbolized grandeur and profound meaning. According to Lee Yoonsung's memories, the emperor of the middle kingdoms in the eastern continent had called himself, 'Son of Heaven.'

Unlike during the previous two tests, Seimei looked dignified and solemn. His low voice rang out through the darkness-covered space, "Finally, you will take the Heaven Test."

Seimei opened his fan, but he didn't explain what the test would examine. Instead, he said, "You will have to realize the meaning of the Heaven Test yourself. If you can't see the essence of the test and reflect on it, you will never pass."

"The meaning of the test… and its essence?"

"That is all I can say. Please, I hope you will succeed."

The 30 second grace period was over.

[Entering the 3rd stage 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Heaven Chapter.']

Once again, Theodore couldn't feel anything before he was thrown into an unknown space. It was a space surrounded by white walls with windows, but there was no entrance.

As a test, he shot a few Magic Bullets, but they didn't penetrate through the floor. The walls were the same as the floor. It wasn't a space he could break through with simple destructive power.

'It is impossible to escape through my power. What type of test will occur in this place?'

Then at the moment when Theodore was going to look around again…

Chobeok.

There was the vivid sound of someone's footsteps.

"Eh?" Theodore's eyes reflexively widened before surprise, and curiosity covered his face. In this white space, her red hair would be noticed a few kilometers away. Perhaps it was just an illusion of Veronica based on Theodore's memories, but he couldn't help feeling pleased.

"Tower Mas..ter?"

Indeed, but that was until he saw the face revealed behind her hair.

Chill.

The moment he met her eyes, Theodore felt a chill go down his spine.

Her eyes were like transparent glass beads, and there was no emotion in her face. This was something he had never seen in the 'real' Veronica.' As Theodore stiffened with discomfort, the fake Veronica moved.

It was a pure coincidence that he avoided the first attack.

Puhwaak!

Then one beat later, Veronica's fist punched out, and Theodore's body flew back. It combined the physical abilities of a quarter dragon and magic. Theodore reflexively adjusted his position, but he didn't have time to do anything. He had miraculously avoided the first attack, but the fake Veronica was already punching again.

The blow was like the sky was falling down.

Kwarurung!

Fake Veronica's fist broke through Theodore's four-layered defense magic and two desperately reinforced arm guards, and crushed Theodore's head. It was absolute strength. Theodore's death was decided the moment her fist hit his head.

This was Theodore Miller's first death.

* * *

"…Ack?!" A sound flowed out.

Theodore touched his broken skull and realized that he was alive, rather than dead. His attached arms and legs moved smoothly, and there was a stinging pain when he pinched his skin. The vivid sensations made him realize his survival.

Theodore looked around again with confused eyes.

'This is still the white-walled space, so what was that? Was it a mere hallucination? Or the Heaven Test?'

His head, which had been broken by the fake Veronica, was completely intact. However, the memory of his death was vividly clear. He had been vigilant, but there was an overwhelming difference in skill. So, he couldn't think of it as just an illusion.

Seimei hadn't given Theodore any advice. Theodore didn't know the intentions of the test, and he couldn't pass if he didn't understand it. However, before Theodore could realize anything, 'he' appeared.

"…Blundell, is it your turn?"

Meltor's Blue Tower Master, Blundell Adruncus, stared at Theodore with an expressionless face. Rumour had it that he could break an ogre's wrist with one hand, but this time, he was facing Theodore.

Just like the fake Veronica, Blundell didn't say anything as he pointed his staff at Theodore. That was the end.

"Ah…?! Aaack!"

Death came to Theodore before his senses had reacted. Before Theodore could even scream, his vocal cords dried up. His blood, bone marrow, and bones dried up and shattered. Dehydration was Blundell's best attack. It was a cruel spell which took away all water, which was the foundation of life.

The more fearful thing wasn't the power, but that Theodore hadn't noticed the activation.

'T-This is ridiculous…! Mana, it didn't mo…ve…'

His sensitivity had been stretched to the limits. He could hear the sound of a needle dropping into sand and see the concentration of dust in a dark cave. Nevertheless, he hadn't been able to notice when and how Blundell's magic had worked.

This was Theodore Miller's second death.

* * *

"Heoooook!"

Theodore breathed out as soon as he appeared again. The skin which had dried up before was just fine. He recalled the terrifying horror of all the moisture in his body evaporating.

First, it had been Veronica and then Blundell Adruncus. They were the two magicians who were considered to be the strongest in the Meltor Kingdom. Theodore was on the threshold of the master level, but he couldn't challenge them. If he fought a hundred times or a thousand times, he would die a thousand times.

Theodore looked down at his hands, realizing the difference between him and a master.

'No, not just that. My physical condition is also a bit strange.'

When Veronica's fist had descended toward him, Theodore had wanted to escape using Fluidization. The strong physical attack wouldn't be able to strike his spiritual body. However, Umbra didn't work for some reason, causing Theodore's defense magic to be delayed by half a beat.

It was also true for when he'd been murdered by the fake Blundell.

It was strange that when Dehydration was used, his sensory perception hadn't predicted the crisis in advance. Then he looked back and realized it was pure coincidence that he had avoided Veronica's first attack. It hadn't been due to his warning system.

However, even so, the disappearance of Umbra and his sensory perception was fatal. He didn't know what the 'Heaven Test' was, but he was lacking some of his abilities. Sweat flowed down Theodore's forehead.

"Damn, this is a little dangerous."

His voice didn't reach Mitra, the Ring of Muspelheim was sealed, and there was no reaction from Aquilo's blood mark on his neck. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Theodore's actual combat strength had fallen by more than half. In addition to that, all of Gluttony's functions, including Memorize, were tied up.

The enemies who had appeared in this space had been monsters that far exceeded Theodore's best state. The third person was no exception.

"…You are wearing a mask here as well, White Tower Master."

It was the best space magician, White Tower Master Orta. Even in this spiritual world, he was wearing a white robe and mask. No, maybe it was because Theodore didn't know his face.

The 7th Circle magician who had defeated a sword master, presumably one of the Seven Swords of the empire, and cut off one of the sword master's arms… How long could Theodore stand against him?

The cruel answer was exactly five seconds.

Chwaack!

He was able to avoid the first attack thanks to the experience from his many battles, but it was up to there. There was no precursor as the space was divided. White Tower Master Orta used an attack which ignored physical defense.

17 space cracks were used successively, slicing Theodore to pieces like a carrot.

'Crazy… How can I go against these monsters…?'

Theodore had a hunch as he greeted his third death. If the condition for passing the 'Heaven Test' was 'fighting and overcoming,' then there was no chance that Theodore Miller would pass this test.

Chapter 165 – Heaven, Earth and Human Test (3)

The fourth one who appeared was Aquilo. The ruler of the ocean, she emotionlessly created a coin-sized hole in the middle of Theodore's face. Who was the fifth person? It was Randolph Clovis. Theodore still remembered the two swords slicing his neck. The sixth time he died was because of Pride's claws, and the seventh death was when he was torn apart by the arrow of Elvenheim's guardian, Edwin.

He didn't continue counting after that.

'Now, how many times… have I been killed…?'

10 times, 20 times… At the very least, it was more than his body could count. The face of the opponent changed every turn, but he always died a meaningless death.

The manner of killing Theodore was truly diverse. Some people were close to him, while there were others whom he had a hostile relationship with. They never spoke a word of greeting and attacked him with dull expressions.

Understandably, the result was 100 defeats. Those who appeared in this space were some of the hardest people to fight, especially in a situation where his hands and feet were bound. Moreover, Theodore had faced them at least 100 times.

Theodore stared at the new enemy before him with dark eyes.

"Randolph."

The sword master was holding his double swords in a familiar stance.

This was the third time. With a weary look, Theodore updated the number of times Randolph had appeared in front of him. This space didn't seem to only embody 'enemies' from Theodore's memories, nor did it invite anyone stronger.

No, even if he'd met them, this space seemed to exclude people whose abilities he didn't understand. As evidence of that, the members of the empire's Seven Swords, Pan Helliones and Lloyd Pollan, didn't appear.

'The order of appearance is random or irregular, but the number of people is 11. They are all people who can beat me.'

Despite experiencing death more than a hundred times, Theodore was still calmly thinking of answers. There was heavy fatigue in his eyes, but his spirit was too strong to stop him from thinking.

Shortly after that, Theodore thought of something and waved his right hand. Simultaneously, Randolph's double swords headed toward him.

Chwaack!

This time, it was Theodore's neck. Theodore glared as his head separated from his body. It was Randolph's super-fast Aura Ability which Theo couldn't avoid, even if he used Umbra. As Theo realized what had happened, he grumbled bitterly at the pain he wasn't used to. 'If I move even a little bit, will it start?'

At the next moment, Theodore stood in the white space again.

"..." He barely suppressed a scream.

Theodore confirmed his next enemy with bloodshot eyes. It was the beauty, Veronica. Theodore hadn't moved yet, so she just watched him from afar. Of course, his life would fly away once he moved even a finger. It was valuable time for Theodore to take a break from dying.

Theodore needed to think. He needed to think of a way to achieve victory. However, Theodore trampled on that hope. 'It is impossible.'

Regardless of whether he challenged it a hundred times or a thousand times, it was impossible. If he continued to challenge with the 0% chance of winning, he would lose everything. Additionally, Gluttony and some of Theodore's bigger abilities were sealed, leaving Theodore as a 6th Circle magician with excellent abilities. There was no chance for him to beat a master.

'I am still helpless against brute force.'

Theodore thought he had become much stronger in the meantime, but he still couldn't escape the days when he had been stuck in the academy's library.

This was his fate. These were the clutches of violence which he couldn't escape with hard work and effort. He had died more than 100 times while searching for breakthroughs, but there was only one solution left in Theodore's mind.

It was to declare that he gave up on the 'Heaven Test'. Even the great shaman, Seimei, wouldn't be able to stop Gluttony. Theodore's power had been sealed before the 'system' accepted this test. However, if he gave up on this test, he would be able to escape from the cycle of death that Seimei created. Theodore could avoid pointless deaths.

Instead, he would fight in a situation where he could win. He didn't need to fight when he couldn't win.

'What a poor way of living.'

Theodore exhaled and said cheekily to Veronica in the distance, ���Let's do it once more, Tower Master."

She might be a fake created from his memories, but the 'strength' which Theodore perceived didn't differ from reality. Maybe it due to his taunt or the way the system was set up, but…

A red comet flashed, crossing the gap of several hundred meters in seconds!

'The timing is the same.'

It was a straight fist filled with confidence in her strength. In eastern magic, it was taught that softness suppressed strength. However, even softness would be torn away before such power.

If Theodore tried to avoid it, his posture would be ruined by the shock wave and his breathing cut off by the subsequent attack. Theodore had fought with Veronica three times and had been killed in such a way.

However, in this confrontation, he didn't flee from her fist.

Kwaang!

The sound was extremely loud when their fists met. It resonated through Theodore's fist, not Veronica's. It was the result of countering Veronica's fist with no errors. Even if Theo didn't have the help of his sensory perception, his learning ability and experience meant he would succeed.

However, what was the meaning of this counter? This was Veronica's body, which was at the level of steel without any strengthening magic. Once 8th Circle magic was added to the human body, he would be smashed into dust.

Indeed, the left arm which Theodore had used to counter the attack had already turned into bloody dust up to the elbow.

"Che, only one attac…" Theodore said as his head was smashed again. Puhak!

It might simply be his imagination, but he seemed to see a slight smile on Veronica's red lips before he died.

* * *

He didn't think anymore. He didn't worry anymore. He would no longer back down.

After Theodore formed such a resolution, his deaths occurred a few times faster than before. He didn't last long, but he struggled to win anyway.

Peeok! In the end, he managed a punch to Randolph's hateful face.

Chwaaaak! A thin slice was cut off from Aquilo's tail.

Hwaruruk! He burned a few strands of Blundell's beard and smudged the White Tower Master's robe with dirt.

Theodore quit running away from the power he couldn't match and repeatedly fought back. Even if he couldn't win and died, he didn't stop. He didn't fight to win. He just fought. Theodore wished he could win, but it didn't matter if he couldn't. Life was always filled with unreasonable force and trials. He wouldn't be able to escape them if he didn't fight.

'One more time.'

It might be a meaningless struggle, but Theodore fought on.

'Once again.'

He would've quit the academy a long time ago if he were the type to give into despair. Unfair talent, unfair fate… Human's lives weren't fair, and a person should realize this. Theodore's steps would only slow down if he despaired. The heavens ignored any complaints, and talking to someone… even that effort might be meaningless.

'Not… yet!'

He still had to try. Those who didn't stop moving their feet until the end of their lives were entitled to say 'fuck you' to the heavens. Adapting to fatalism was the role of a priest, while it was the fate of a magician to explore the world and deny a certain life. The ones who resisted until the end was examples of magicians.

However, Theodore was soon forced to stop. It was due to the 'monster' who appeared when his number of deaths surpassed 200.

"Isn't this a little too much?" Theodore didn't want to sound weak, but anyone watching this situation wouldn't be able to blame him.

With white scales which glowed with a bright light, it was the apostle of destruction…

Fafnir.

The being who had erased the 5th stage Pride in a single blow appeared before Theo. Since this was a spiritual world, there was nothing to be burned by its heat. However, it was obvious that Fafnir would use the 'laser.'

Meltor's magicians—no, all the magicians in the world wouldn't be able to defend against it even if they concentrated their defense magic together. This was a death which couldn't be resisted.

'Well, I will try it once.'

Theodore would die anyway. When else would he get a chance to attack an ancient classed dragon? Theodore rotated the six circles to the maximum that his heart could endure. The difference in strength… he knew it better than anyone else.

Even so, he prepared to fight.

――――――――――――!

As the light of destruction was about to strike its target…

「It is up to here.」

The world stopped.

Jjak jjak jjak!

Theodore heard the sound of applause ring out from somewhere. He released the almost completed defense spell and looked in that direction. There was only one person who could intervene in this situation. It was Abe no Seimei, the one who had created this space which had killed him endlessly.

That damn person was clapping. "Brilliant."

"…Do you not want to see my unsightly corpse anymore?" Theodore asked coldly.

Unlike Theodore's cold tone, Seimei said with a genuinely admiring expression, "It isn't unsightly." Then he continued, "The Heaven Test is a trial that reveals how a person copes with a fate that can't be fought. …To succumb, compromise, give up… or decide not to stop resisting until the end."

That's right. As Abe no Seimei said, the Heaven Test presented opponents and situations where Theodore couldn't win. He'd competed with monsters with his bare body, and he'd constantly experienced the trauma of death, wearing down his spirit.

The essence of a person would be revealed in circumstances where they were pushed to the edge of a cliff. When faced with true despair, it turned out that he had the proper qualifications to be a hero.

In that sense, Theodore was graded with 1,000 points out of 100.

"You pass, Theodore Miller. I will give you some gifts, as well as the knowledge you want."

"What…?"

The system messages popped up before Theodore could get a reply.

[You have passed the 'Heaven, Earth, and Human: Heaven chapter.']

[You have completed all stages perfectly.]

[The proficiency of the skill, 'Art of Onmyōdō,' has been adjusted to the highest level. In order to avoid conflicts with your existing circles, I recommend a gradual absorption.]

['Ring of Muspelheim' and 'Aquilo's Blood Mark' have been integrated. 'Artificial Yin and Yang' has been formed. The power of the two imprints are stronger than before, and they will respond more obediently to the user's will.]

[The user's capacity has expanded through an unknown intervention. Confirming mental power… Confirming amount of magic power… The conditions for 'Transcendence' has been met, it will be fulfilled.]

[After 20 seconds, you will sleep for 168 hours.]

"What does this mean?" Theodore was perplexed by the bewildering message windows.

Seimei waved his fan and replied happily, "Well, I just helped balance it. You showed me something nice after a long time, so I should do something good."

"Please explain properly!"

"Can I explain it all in 20 seconds? Just think about it while sleeping." Seimei's words weren't wrong.

There was a limited number of words which could be spoken in 20 seconds, and Seimei's knowledge would be more metaphorical descriptions. Additionally, Theodore's mind was exhausted from dying hundreds of times. His hand stretched out to try and grab Seimei, but his knees collapsed.

'D-Dammit…'

As Theodore's consciousness faded, Seimei's voice sounded like a mountain echo, "I hope someday you will be able to grant my request. But maybe you'll need 10 more years, huhahaha!"

"..."

"I will give you one more piece of advice." Seimei's playful tone was gone, and the last advice he gave engraved deeply into Theodore's mind. "If you go to the eastern continent, never approach the capital in the center. If you have to go, only try it after you have reached full transcendence."

Before Theodore could respond to the advice, the heartless voice of the system broke the communication between Seimei and Theodore.

[From this point onward, you will sleep for 168 hours.]

Chapter 166 – The Road Home (1)

"Sir Adolf, please look after Brother."

"Yes, I will do it well."

As usual, Baek Dongil left Theodore's room with a grim expression, while Randolph sighed at his retreating back. Randolph was fond of Baek Dongil's sincere learning attitude and polite character, but the repeated visits were annoying. However, he couldn't stop Baek Dongil from coming.

Therefore, Randolph suffered from his uncomfortable position in the middle.

'That reminds me. Including today, it has been a week.' Randolph thought about the date and then looked at Theodore, who was lying in a nearby bed.

Randolph had been the one who found the unconscious Theodore, and he had also been the first to notice the situation. Theodore didn't have a fever or cold sweats, so it might seem like he was sleeping. However, the reality of it was different.

Back then, Randolph had looked at the unconscious Theodore and instinctively recognized the situation.

This was the period of transition to go beyond the master's wall!

A mortal body and spirit couldn't handle the power of a transcendent. Therefore, mortals who reached the realm of a master had to evolve their body and mind to the level of the transcendent power.

The term 'Physical Change' referred to the phenomenon in which an imbalance in the body was rectified and raised beyond its innate limits. It was a bonus that all the wastes hidden in the body were removed.

Randolph recalled what he had experienced at the time he'd gone through the same thing and thought that the magician's transitional period was rather modest.

"It was a wrong judgment," Randolph said as he squeezed Theodore's wrist lightly and immediately made a serious expression.

His serious expression was due to the vortex of power swirling inside Theo's body, exactly like it had been on the first day of the transition. The flow was so wide and powerful that Randolph couldn't intervene, despite being a sword master. It was impossible to calm it down from the outside.

Randolph had to wait until the owner of the power, Theodore Miller, could control it himself. However, the biggest problem was if the attempt failed. What if the terrible power Randolph sensed burst out of Theodore's body? The mansion would be shattered, and the damage might reach the faraway town. It was a different type of waste material.

Randolph smiled as he glanced at Theodore's still sleeping face.

'Is Theo is special, or magicians are always like this?'

Of course, Theodore's case was special, but Randolph had no way of knowing this.

However, despite knowing the risks, Randolph didn't leave Theodore's side. He believed that he could stop the crisis or that Theodore would overcome this trial. It was a myth, but in the Andras Empire, the greater the crisis during one's transition, the greater the potential.

If that was the case, Theodore would be reborn as an unprecedented master.

"…Well, it might just be my delusion." Randolph found it funny and laughed as he rose to his feet.

From morning to night, he stayed by Theodore's side. This meant he couldn't even eat properly. Randolph headed to a nearby kitchen in order to drink a glass of water. The duration of time he spent there was three minutes at most.

Soon after Randolph left the kitchen, he grabbed the doorknob of Theodore's room and felt an unknown thrill enter his body.

A sword master's keen senses noticed the before and after change in the room. The unstable flow of mana, which had been like a typhoon, had completely calmed down. If so, there could only be one cause.

'The transition is over.' Randolph gulped before turning the doorknob.

Theodore had either successfully crossed the wall to become a master, or he had been blown apart. It was only after the door opened that he found out which result it was. Then the door opened.

"-Ha, haha," Randolph couldn't help laughing.

This was because Randolph's concerns were moot, as 'he' stood there.

His two eyes contained more depth than before, and he was standing on his own two legs without shaking. After passing through the boundaries of a mortal, Theodore Miller had finally returned.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting," Theodore spoke to the blankly staring Randolph. There was a faint smile on Theodore's face accompanying his simple words of apology. "It took longer than I thought it would."

With seven roaring circles, it was a declaration that another master had appeared in the world.

* * *

His body hadn't changed dramatically like aura users. However, he'd slept for a week, so his stomach was understandably empty.

Without telling anyone first, Randolph placed bread and soup from the kitchen in front of Theodore. If he told people that Theodore had woken up, their surroundings would become extremely noisy. As Theodore had just completed the transition, he needed to rest.

Of course, Theodore appreciated the care.

"Thank you," he said a short thanks and started moving his hands.

He ate the bread and sipped the soup, gradually increasing the volume of the food. Theodore's body, which had starved for a week, absorbed the nutrients like rainwater permeating dry land.

Randolph looked at Theo's ravenous appearance with narrowed eyes. 'It is definitely different.'

There was no visible change in Theodore��s body, but the storm raging inside him had completely subsided. The pressure, which would cause anyone who could sense mana to feel nervous, was now out of sight.

Somebody might think Theo was weak, but Randolph's sword master instincts were warning him. Even if Randolph fought his best, he would be unable to predict his victory. This was evidence that a 7th Circle magician was an existence who could match a sword master.

In the end, Randolph couldn't repress his curiosity and asked, "The 7th circle, is it completed?"

"…I'm not sure. It is too ambiguous to call it completed yet."

"What? Ambiguous?" Randolph's eyebrows raised at Theo's vague answer.

Theodore swallowed the soup and continued with his answer, "The number of my circles has grown to seven, but the criteria for a master level magician isn't just the number of circles."

"Then what else do you need?"

"It is just how like a master aura user needs to awaken the Aura Ability. Magicians have something called 'Sorcery' and need to develop their own unique attributes."

Theo said it was similar to Aura Ability, but it wasn't that big. Just like how sword masters had their own specific characteristics with aura, magicians focused on their specific attributes. The White Tower Master's unbelievable space magic and Blundell's water control were based on 'Sorcery.' Theodore had realized it after reaching the 7th Circle. His ability to analyze magic itself had improved.

'Somehow, I couldn't do it even if I ate the original book.'

Theodore had thought he would be able to do space magic or water control magic, but he now knew it would've failed.

When he thought about it, he realized it was natural. It was no wonder that Theodore couldn't understand the essential principles of the magic considering he didn't know what Blundell's 'Sorcery' was.

Additionally, that wasn't the only part that was different from aura.

Theodore looked at Randolph and continued to explain with a smile, "Sorcery is different from the Aura Ability that can be used straight away. The 7th Circle is the minimum condition, and I need to study Sorcery from now on."

"Aha, I see," Randolph said as he took in the explanation.

From the perspective of Eastern philosophy, it could be summarized as 'epiphany' and 'gradual study.' Aura Ability was an 'epiphany,' while Sorcery was a 'gradual study.' Sorcery was something which could only be learned by accumulating the right procedures and efforts. Theodore, who had only just arrived at the 7th Circle, was still unable to use his own unique attributes.

However, Randolph smiled cheerfully and knocked on his shoulder. "Well, it is true that you went beyond the wall though! It is late, but welcome to the realm of a master."

"If I'm late, then what is Randolph?"

"Ah, are you already acting like this? This young guy is really behaving badly."

It was a joke but Theodore's expression brightened. As Randolph said, the wall to the 7th Circle was very high and crossing it meant one thing…

Theodore had escaped the deadline of three years! Within half of the time limit that Myrdal had given him, Theodore had escaped from the confines of a mortal. The future of being crushed by his own power had disappeared.

'It's sooner than I expected, but it is okay to return to the north.'

In any case, 'Sorcery' couldn't be completed in a day or two, and the intellectual properties accumulated in the Magic Society would be more efficient for his research.

He had overcome the deadline, which had been his original purpose, so wasn't it better to return to the safety of Meltor to conduct the rest of his research? Around the time that Theodore was eating the last of his bread.

"Ah, there was a letter for you."

"Letter?" Theodore turned his attention back to Randolph.

What letter? Who would know about them to send a letter here? Randolph handed him the envelope and replied, "Gibra. It has the name of the guy from Sipoto on it. I guess their title as 'the best information guild' isn't for nothing."

"Gibra… Indeed, there would be no one else."

In retrospect, everyone else who knew about him were enemies, except for Gibra. No, he couldn't conclude that Gibra was an ally. However, Gibra was the only one who could send him a letter. The best information guild in the central continent would definitely be able to figure out his tracks.

Now, Theo was curious and wary about why a letter would be sent to him.

Tear. Theodore tore open the envelope and pulled out the sheet of paper inside. He looked at the contents for a while, then he burned the letter and envelope. Randolph guessed that Theo intended to conceal the existence of the letter.

So, he asked, "Is it something that shouldn't be known to others?"

"There is nothing wrong with being careful."

Simultaneously, Theodore spread Silence magic around the two of them. It was rare for eavesdropping to escape the notice of a sword master, but this spell was to block that rare possibility from happening.

"It's news related to the Orcus Company. Meltor has received my message and dispatched investigators to search for clues in the central continent. Due to that, the Orcus Company has shifted its base from the south-west to the east."

"Uhh, the timing isn't good."

"That's right. I think we should keep in mind the possibility of seeing them near the Kargas border."

The power of the two men was significantly higher than when they had fought in Sipoto, but it still wasn't very wise to fight against unknown opponents. They were enemies who had chased Theodore all the way to the Pirate Archipelago. It was fortunate that the enemies had angered Aquilo. Otherwise, it would've been a struggle on the sea.

If they had a death knight and ghost ship, there might be other hidden cards such as a master.

'…I have to return home.'

Was it fortunate that the Orcus Company was moving to the east now? Theodore calmly calculated his speed, position, and the path to Meltor before sighing. Gibra's letter wasn't entirely trustworthy, but it was difficult since he had already seen the contents.

In any case, he had to act carefully to avoid any traps. Theodore thought about the right answer and soon made a decision. He stacked the empty dishes in a pile and got up. Then he said, "We will leave in a week. I have to finish off the work I have left here and then ask Master Baek for one last favor."

As Theodore headed for his room, he had a hunch about something. The time of the suspicious magician, Ted, would end here. From now on, it was the turn of Theodore Miller, the young hero of the Meltor Kingdom.

Theodore's heart grew anxious at the thought of seeing the faces of some people, and he hastened his footsteps. It was time to return to Theodore's homeland, Meltor.

Chapter 167 – The Road Home (2)

It had been a week since then.

The news about Theodore's group leaving was immediately relayed to Marquis and the crown prince, making for an easy farewell. After all, they didn't like the fact that two strong people were hiding in their country.

The only people who felt regretful about Theodore and Randolph leaving were the Baek Family staying at the mansion.

"A week has already passed," Baek Jongmyung, the expert of the Baek Family, said to them with a dark expression.

One was a nice man who guided his son, while the other was a friend he had dueled and drank with a few times. There might be a large age difference between them, but Baek Jongmyung socialized with them like they were friends. He mourned that Theodore's scheduled departure was this soon.

Looking back and forth between Theodore and Randolph, Baek Jongmyung said, "…As Sir Ted requested, I will manage the annex where the two of you stayed. Can I ask for the reason?"

"A guest shouldn't bring bad luck to the owner," Theodore responded with an answer that was difficult to understand. However, Baek Jongmyung was accustomed to this way of speaking, and he soon realized Theodore's meaning.

"Hrmm, you have opponents that are that strong?"

"I don't think Master Baek and the Baek Family should go against them."

Baek Jongmyung would have hit anyone else who said it, but he smiled at Theodore's words. When they first met, Baek Jongmyung hadn't known Theodore's depths. Now, it would be even harder for Baek Jongmyung to gauge if he could win against Theodore. However, the seldom rude Theodore was currently advising him not to dig into this issue? This was enough to prove that it was dangerous.

Baek Jongmyung nodded with a heavy expression. "Haha… There is a saying in the East about a frog in a well. I am sorry that I can't return your favor, despite being an expert."

"It is nothing. Thank you for the help," Theodore said.

"You're thanking me? Please don't be so humble. I owe you a great deal for putting up with my son."

Baek Jongmyung called to Baek Dongil, who was standing silently behind him. Theodore was curious about why Baek Dongil wasn't speaking, but he soon figured out why. It was because the boy's eyes were completely wet, glimmering like the light from a chandelier.

"B-Brother." Baek Dongil choked up. He turned red like a tomato and coughed a few times before barely managing to face Theodore. "Thank you for listening to my shameless request!"

Then he bowed down with his hands clasped together. Baek Dongil was giving thanks for their relationship, rather than grumbling about the short teaching period or sudden parting.

He had received a foundation of basic knowledge over the past week, but he didn't completely understand it yet. A period of intense self-learning was necessary when a teacher had to leave. As the loser of a warrior family for many years, it was natural for Baek Dongil to feel regretful. However, Baek Dongil's pure heart meant he didn't hesitate to express his sincere gratitude.

It was why Theodore had decided to teach him. Theodore saw his past despairing state in Baek Dongil's endless efforts, but his mind wasn't twisted by it.

"Dongil."

"Yes, Brother."

"The foundation that I've taught so far is a prerequisite for becoming an apprentice magician in the Meltor Kingdom, the most developed kingdom of magic in the continent. A more efficient learning system doesn't yet exist on this continent."

It was as Theo said. Meltor's Magic Society, unlike other organizations, shared their research achievements and knowledge.

Their curriculum, which had been developed through history, boasted the best efficiency and rationality on the continent. Anyone who graduated from an academy in Meltor with just a diploma could teach at an academy in any other kingdom.

However, Theodore didn't dwell on his past diploma anymore. He told Baek Dongil, "If you keep following my teachings, you will be able to reach the required level within the next year."

Fortunately, Baek Dongil's mana sensitivity was several times better than that of the old Theodore. If Baek Dongil built up the right knowledge and repeated the training, it would be easy for him to reach the 3rd Circle. The 4th Circle might be possible if his family provided adequate support.

Perhaps by that time, the level of magicians who could teach Baek Dongil in the central continent would be hard to meet. As Theodore thought about that day, he said, "I am ashamed to reveal it only now, but my name is Theodore, not Ted. And my surname is Miller."

"Theodore Miller?"

"Yes."

If Baek Jongmyung or Baek Dongil had any knowledge about the north, they might feel surprised or even angry.

However, they just blinked at him, and Theodore stood up. Now everything in the Soldun Kingdom was resolved. He had used duplication magic on original books about shamanism, regained 1,000 gold, and formed a close tie with a budding magician.

"One day, if you encounter a 'wall' that can't be broken down by your own strength, come to Meltor's Magic Society and find me."

Baek Dongil didn't know that this relationship would be the Baek Family's most valuable treasure after coming to the Western continent. After Theodore and Randolph said a simple farewell and left the room, Baek Jongmyung and Baek Dongil stared at each other with confusion for a while.

Baek Jongmyung opened his mouth first and said, "…Huhu, this is truly entertaining."

"I-Is that so?"

"I reprimanded you for something that seemed frivolous at the time, but it seems you were right."

Baek Dongil didn't understand and replied eagerly, "Yes! I think so as well!"

This caused Baek Jongmyung to hit his head while saying, "This brat! You cheeky fellow!"

Baek Dongil was a fool who had only grown up slightly under Theodore, so he uttered, "Ah! What are you saying, Father?"

Despite the argument, smiles spread across the faces of the two men, and the story spread through the Baek Family.

* * *

"You must think a lot of that kid."

"He is polite and bright. If he grows up without becoming twisted, he will definitely be a good magician."

After stepping out of the mansion they had been living in for over a year, Theodore and Randolph took the time to pause for a moment. The two of them were intending to travel a long distance, so Theodore kept most of the goods, including food, in the 'Inventory.'

As the export of artifacts was the major economic base of Meltor, this meant the management of logistics and distribution of goods was strict. So, Theodore used his power to avoid his goods from being noticed.

"…Okay, there doesn't seem to be any problems," Theodore commented. Then he used an extremely convenient magic which he had been preparing for the past week.

'Mass Teleport.'

It was space magic which allowed a large number of people to leap a long distance, and it wasn't impossible now that Theodore had reached the 7th Circle. Randolph had been informed about the magic in advance, but he couldn't help admiring the convenience.

"I thought we would go through the sky instead of the land or sea, but I hadn't expected space magic. Magicians really are capable of anything."

"Well, it isn't easy."

It was just as Theodore said. He was able to compose this magic after gaining enlightenment, but it was just like he'd already guessed before. His aptitude for space magic wasn't good. Theodore calculated the formula and flow of mana perfectly, but 'Mass Teleport' was unsteady, and it took three attempts to calm the instability.

This magic was now simple and stable, but traveling as far as the White Tower Master was just a distant dream. Theodore stared at the magic circle and sighed. 'Hah, there is no attribute as convenient as space magic…'

Unfortunately, it was a magic which Theo didn't suit. Apart from the space magic abilities gained from 'original books predation,' it wasn't compatible with Theodore Miller. While Theodore was grumbling inwardly, Randolph came up to the magic circle and asked, "Where is our destination?"

"Sipoto in the Kargas Kingdom. At my level, I can't move much further than that."

The White Tower Master could fly from Piris to beyond Meltor's border, but it wasn't something which could be imitated with ordinary space magic. Thus, Theodore created a 'Mass Teleport' with the best results.

Moreover, although it wasn't a match for the White Tower Master, Theodore's magic circle was huge for his level. He could move from Piris to Sipoto in the South-Eastern continent, which meant he could arrive at the border of central continent immediately. Even if he moved by the shortest path by land or sea, the minimum time required to cross that distance was a fortnight.

Theodore finished the final checks, stood in the center of the magic circle, and infused magic power to the power source.

Then he cried out, "Mass Teleport!"

Simultaneously, there was a flash of light as the magic activated, and the forms of the two men dissolved like ice in heat.

There was a wave of dizziness which he couldn't get accustomed to, even though he had already experienced it a few times! Theodore endured the uncomfortable sensation and transmitted the coordinates of the destination.

He felt a headache pierce his temples during the process, but space fatigue boasted the worst difficulty. The discomfort disappeared just as suddenly it had appeared.

"Phew!"

"Huooh…!"

Theodore exhaled, while Randolph grabbed his head because of the dizziness. Theodore was familiar with this, so he looked around.

They were in a wilderness area, with sand and wind tickling Theodore's nose. This wasn't the first time he had seen this landscape, so Theodore was convinced of the success of his space magic. This was the outskirts of Sipoto, which he had set as the destination for Mass Teleport.

Dding-

At that moment, Theodore experienced a sharp pain in his mind.

"Ack!"

It wasn't the unpleasant feeling of space magic, but a pain which came from a warning. Theodore grasped the reason with his logic, not intuition, and smiled bitterly.

In a sense, it was like growing pains. Using space magic, which he had never used before, led to an unexpected side effect because Theodore's vessel had disappeared when he reached transcendence.

The vessel was a restraining device which limited the contents, but it was also a safety device. Being capable of infinite possibilities was a double-edged sword.

'That is why I have to fix it with Sorcery.'

While Theodore worried about the unexpected enlightenment, Randolph shook off the dizziness and approached him.

"Theo, will you prepare to move again in Sipoto?"

"…I think so, but not now."

Theodore hadn't chosen Sipoto as the destination for Mass Teleport just because it was within range.

He wanted to talk to Gibra again, who had found out where they'd been staying and sent a letter to them. Theodore didn't know whether Gibra offered information on the Orcus Company for a favor, or if there was some hidden trap. He wanted it to be due to personal feelings, but it was foolish to want a favor from the information world.

Theodore recovered his consumed magic power to a certain extent and opened his mouth to say, "I will go and see Gibra."

Even if Gibra was plotting something, he wouldn't be expecting their arrival with space magic.

The presence of the White Tower was openly revealed in Meltor, but space magic was difficult to see in real life, and there were those who doubted its existence. Theodore had used 'Mass Teleport' and cut down their expected arrival time by nearly a dozen days.

It was the best way Theodore envisioned that would overwhelm Gibra's expectations.