CHAPTER 8

317 Years After the End of the Antarctic War.

The great mage, Lin, and Rein Ludwig, had reached the age of fifteen.

Standing in the middle of a bustling street where countless people rushed past, the boy let out a short yet deep exclamation.

"Wow, what a view."

The First Magic Academy of the Holy Human Empire, .

Founded by Emmisa Page, the progenitor of magic, was built in the heart of , the city governed by the Page Margrave House, the leading magic family.

The Demon City, .

Seen from above, this southern city unfolded in the intricate shape of a rose, constantly overflowing with an unceasing tide of people.

"Selling magic books! We've got tons of reference books compiled by top-tier magic instructors!"

"We've got magical artifacts that amplify mana! Brought directly from a labyrinth by none other than Silver-rank adventurer, Katt!"

Most of the crowd consisted of merchants and magic students, but here and there, adventurers affiliated with the Alliance (Adventurers' Guild) could also be spotted.

A hub of magic, hence a demon city.

It was even said that all the world's knowledge first flowed through , or in other words, —a testament to the city's undeniable prestige.

"Master!"

"Masteeer!"

"Master!"

The problem was that this city, the fifth largest in the Empire, often played cruel tricks on first-time visitors.

It was far too complex.

Even those with a decent sense of direction could lose their way in just ten minutes, becoming completely stranded. And on 's entrance exam day, when crowds surged in madness, getting lost was inevitable.

"Young master Rein!"

"Where are you?"

"Ughh, young master!"

The household guards, who had stopped their carriage by the roadside, were now shouting desperately. They, too, must have faced the same crisis.

"Oh man, finding him is gonna be a pain."

"Which house does he belong to?"

"The Ludwig Margrave House. They're a magical noble family."

"Ludwig… Ah, the house known for that talentless heir, right?"

So, where was Rein Ludwig, and what was he doing?

Dressed in black silk robes with black hair, the boy stood in the bustling market. His house emblem, beautifully embroidered in red thread, adorned his cloak, and ruby earrings and a necklace gleamed on his person.

"How much is this?"

"Just ten copper coins, sir."

"Ten copper coins?"

A transparent smile lingered on his lips as he curiously asked for prices at each intriguing stall he passed.

— This costs ten copper coins?

The year the flames of war subsided and the Abyss was pushed further south, a marketplace had opened near the Crimson City , along a riverbank village.

At the time, Lista, dressed in casual clothes, had wandered through the market, playfully chatting with vendors and asking about prices.

When asked why he kept asking about things he had no intention of buying, his answer had stuck vividly in Lin's mind.

— You can tell what kind of era you're living in by looking at the price of food.

— …?

— Take those grapes, for example. In times of peace, they cost less than two copper coins. Last year, they skyrocketed to twenty. Now they've dropped to ten. That's proof that we fought hard, isn't it?

For a boy only ever interested in magic and his own affairs, that perspective was both perplexing and fascinating.

So people can think that way…

So that's how they view the world…

Then, Lista had suddenly smiled sadly and added:

— Lin, I won't live long. I underwent the body modifications required for Peiquaria.

— …

— So later on, when you've lived for a really, really long time, tell me all about it when we meet again somewhere in the sky, okay?

That conversation had felt like it happened just yesterday, yet Lin had died before Lista, and Lista had died waiting for him.

Fate was ironic.

"If that guy saw this, he'd have a lot to say… A drop from eighty copper coins to ten."

As he inspected a red gemstone, the vendor hesitantly spoke up.

"Excuse me, young master?"

"Hmm?"

"You should hurry along. The clock tower bells are ringing. The exam is about to start… You might already be late."

That snapped him back to reality.

Wait…

When had he lost track of his guards? How many hours had he spent lost in echoes of the past since stepping into this street?

He dashed through the vast streets of , grabbing passersby to ask for directions. By the time he arrived at the exam site, the assistant professor guarding the gate gave him a regretful look.

"I'm sorry, but even if you're from a noble family, the rules are strict. Late arrivals are automatically disqualified. And… you're already five minutes late."

"…Is there no way?"

How stupid can I be?

I promised to see Lista's letter, yet I mess up the very first step.

"There is an additional test for those who fail the written exam. It takes place in the Second Examination Hall."

"Am I eligible to take it?"

"The professor in charge will decide… But it's possible. It's meant for those who failed the written test, though. It might not be ideal for a noble heir."

The assistant professor scratched his chin in discomfort.

"…Huh?"

Where did the boy go?