Chapter 8: Spontaneous Combustion of Court Wizard

The dead of night, shrouded in darkness.

Nathaniel, who had left at noon, returned to his usual form only after dusk.

The annex of the Imperial Palace, where his lord, the Prince, resided.

Specifically, the private room assigned to him.

As the court magician returned, servants rushed to assist him.

“Welcome back, Sir Nathaniel. How about dinner…”

“I’ve already eaten. Don’t mind me.”

“Ah, and His Highness left a message. He asked if you had chosen a candidate for recommendation…”

“I have. I’ve already chosen a candidate, so report as such.”

Nathaniel gestured for a pen and paper and said.

“And tonight, I plan to practice alone in my room after writing the recommendation. It is important training for moving from the 5th rank to the 6th rank, so do not disturb me under any circumstances.”

“As you wish. Then I will report to His Highness.”

The servant handed him special paper and ink for official documents.

Nathaniel then began to write the recommendation letter with a flourish.

The candidate’s name, her outstanding qualities, and exceptional talent and will.

He didn’t forget to include a portrait so that the academy wouldn’t be confused.

After finishing the letter, Nathaniel put it in an envelope and handed it to a young page.

As the boy received it, Nathaniel went straight to his room and closed the door.

Then, click! He locked the latch and began preparations for his practice.

“Sir Nathaniel is diligent today as well.”

An old servant, watching him, spoke. Then, the maid next to him giggled and replied.

“He’s His Highness’s closest aide, after all? He has to work hard every day. I hear the political strife in the Imperial Palace is intense these days.”

“That’s true. His Highness will be entering the academy soon. Sir Nathaniel will also be going with him, so there must be a lot to prepare for.”

“But who is the recommended candidate he chose? He kept agonizing over it until the entrance date approached.”

The recommendation letter was sealed with magic in a special envelope.

No one could check it except the writer and academy officials.

The page who had just gone to mail the letter wouldn’t have been able to peek at its contents.

The old servant cleared his throat and reprimanded.

“Why are you curious about such things? He must have chosen a good candidate. We, the lower ones, just have to do our jobs well.”

“Yes, yes, of course. I was just curious. Are magicians who can be recommended to the academy so common? Most of them are recruited from the Magic Tower.”

“I don’t know for sure, but I heard it’s a very special position this time. There must be a reason he can’t say.”

Black magic defense is the most unique subject among the academy classes.

It is a compulsory subject, but in reality, almost no one wants to major in it.

This is because not only skills and senses are required, but also a deep understanding of black magic.

Since the risk is considerable, students often learn only the necessary amount and stop.

Rather than embracing the danger of corruption and exploring black magic, they turn to majors that only require white magic.

Naturally, there were almost no suitable successors to Professor Bishop’s liking.

Of course, the employees of the annex could not know all these facts.

“Anyway, shall we eat now?”

The old servant, having finished his work, adjusted his clothes and said.

“Isn’t he the kind of person who shuts himself in all night once he starts practicing? It’ll be the same today. Shall we all go to the dining hall except for the one on duty…?”

It was then. The servant, who had smelled something terrible, wrinkled his nose.

He covered his nose and asked the maid.

“What’s that smell? It smells like something’s burning.”

“You’re right. Did they burn the meat in the dining hall?”

“How can the dining hall smell reach here? It smells like it’s right next door…”

The old servant’s face turned pale.

He had belatedly discovered the source of the stench.

The room Nathaniel had entered and locked just a few minutes ago.

Flames and acrid smoke were leaking from it.

“F-fire! Fire!”

“Oh my!”

“What are you standing around for! Call people! Bring water!”

At the old servant’s shout, the maid hurriedly ran to call others.

The annex employees, who rushed in, first broke down the locked door and opened it.

They were worried about the court magician, who would be engrossed in his practice.

And when they finally broke down the door, the sight they faced…

“Kyaaak-!!”

The maid screamed in terror.

The other servants quickly supported her as she collapsed.

In the middle of the room, flames were rising.

Nathaniel, engulfed in flames, sat still in a lotus position.

His posture was reminiscent of the legendary self-immolation practiced by Eastern monks.

“S-Sir Nathaniel!!”

“Water! Where’s the water bucket! Bring it now!”

The terrified servants shouted.

While they were making a fuss, the body of the magician Nathaniel was gradually turning to ashes and scattering into the air.

The news of Nathaniel’s death by fire quickly spread everywhere.

No matter how much the higher-ups tried to control the information, rumors always travel further than intended.

The people, who heard the news in their own way, used it as a topic of conversation and made their own speculations.

Pubs, homes, inns, and village halls.

Everywhere was busy whispering about similar topics.

It was the same for the travelers in the wagons going up the main road.

“No doubt! He died from a failed promotion! It’s a fairly common accident among magicians!”

“A failed promotion?”

The bald man, excitedly chattering.

When the other traveler next to him asked, he shrugged and explained his knowledge.

“Magicians have the concept of ranks, right? Then, at some point, their rank rises gradually, and their skills grow by leaps and bounds.”

“I know that. What does that have to do with this?”

“But sometimes, the vessel isn’t fully matured, and they fail. If they try to raise their rank forcefully without knowing this, the stimulated magic power goes out of control…”

“…So, they spontaneously combust and burn to death?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m not making this up. It’s already a widely known phenomenon among magicians.”

The self-destruction of those who overestimate their abilities is a tragedy that occurs regardless of field.

It was an accident that could happen, especially among magicians with high pride.

They are always plagued by the desire and impatience to reach higher ranks.

“How is it? My explanation is accurate, right, miss?”

The bald man’s question, giggling.

The silver-haired woman, leaning against the wagon wall, just nodded.

It was a sign of acknowledgment, but not of wanting to continue the conversation.

However, his sparked interest didn’t fade easily.

“You’re a magician too, right, miss? I can tell just by looking at your clothes. Ordinary people don’t have the opportunity to wear such clothes.”

“Heh heh, that’s true. Are you from the Magic Tower? Or an academy student? You seem very young.”

“It’s fate that we’re on the same wagon, so how about having a drink when we get off? I’ll pay. I know a good tavern nearby.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll decline. I have to transfer to the direct academy wagon right away.”

“Oh! You’re an academy student, after all? Judging by your age, a freshman?”

“You’re lucky, miss. I hear that His Highness the Prince and Her Highness the Princess are entering this year. It’s not easy to see royalty.”

Strikingly attractive beauty. At the same time, a cold impression overflowing with strange charisma.

Except for the fashion sense that seemed like she was wearing a crow’s skin inside out, she was a beauty that would turn the Emperor’s head.

Naturally, men’s curiosity continued without end.

As if burdened by the attention, the woman slightly furrowed her brows.

Crunch, crunch, rolling the orange lollipop, she drew a firm line.

“I’m not a student. I’m not of age to be a student either. Rather, I’m on my way to work.”

“Huh? Really? You look like you’re still in your teens.”

“Huh huh, this is unexpected? Then, are you perhaps an academy staff member?”

“No, to be precise…”

Thud! Clunk!

The wagon wheel suddenly stopped.

Then, a noisy sound came from outside.

“What? Why did it suddenly stop?”

The passengers, surprised by the sudden stop, got off the wagon.

And the moment they faced the cause of the wagon stopping, the color drained from their faces.

“G-golem!”

“It’s a golem that escaped from the Magic Tower!”

A giant golem, with skin harder than steel, monstrous strength, and a core of magic that provided endless power, was blocking the front of the wagon.

The previous commotion was the sound of horses panicking at the appearance of the golem.

“What the hell! Why is a golem on a forest road like this?”

“Damn it, this is near the academy! Sometimes those monsters escape and appear!”

People were just as frantic as the foaming horses.

In front of them, the golem raised its fist, as if about to crush them at any moment.

The travelers lost their will at the golem’s roar.

The opponent was an artificial creature meticulously manufactured at the Magic Tower.

It was definitely not an opponent that ordinary swordsmen or adventurers could face.

It was a crisis, where everyone was in danger of being annihilated without help.

It was then.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

A nonchalant, leisurely voice.

A woman with silver hair stepped forward.

It was the same woman who had just been chatting with the men.

“Tch.”

A young mage dressed entirely in black.

Spitting out the remaining lollipop stick, she calmly raised her right arm.

And the next moment.

“Uh?!”

Everyone was shocked by the unbelievable sight.

A black shadow suddenly sprang up from the ground.

It cut through the golem like a sharp blade.

The golem, which was about to attack the travelers, was reduced to pieces by a single blow.

Then, with a crash, it collapsed like a kicked wooden block.

“Uh, uh…”

“What? You… how did you…?”

“E-even if the Magic Tower’s special forces came, it would take a long time…”

The speechless travelers murmured.

Their gazes were fixed on one person, the female mage who had easily sliced the golem.

The bald man, stammering, stared at the golem fragments and said.

“B-by the way? Wasn’t that black magic just now?”

‘Shadow Slash’, one of the most commonly known offensive black magic spells.

The chant and technique are simple, but the power varies greatly depending on the user’s ability.

The magic used by the silver-haired beauty was definitely that.

“Black magic? The one that’s strictly forbidden among civilians?”

“B-but didn’t she say she was going to the academy to work? For someone like that to have learned black magic…”

The moment the conversation reached that point, the travelers froze.

A person who can get a job at the academy and specializes in dangerous black magic.

There was only one being that fit that condition.

“Warlock…?”

A recluse who practiced black magic for research purposes, and the possessor of a strong mentality that is deeply connected to black magic, yet not corrupted or insane.

A skilled person whom even ordinary people, let alone mediocre magicians, would tremble at the mere sight of.

And a being who receives special treatment in the world of magicians.

That must be the identity of this young woman.

‘…Is that what they’re thinking?’

Crunch, crunch. I stepped on the golem fragments and thought.

That was the disguised identity I had set from the beginning.

Unlike the civilized area of the empire, the far northeast is known for being a cold and desolate wilderness.

Not only ferocious beasts and monsters inhabit it, but it is also famous as a secret place where mysterious hermits hone their magic and live in seclusion.

Aren’t all the famous warlocks from the northeastern wasteland?

I was going to disguise myself as one of them.

If I’m someone who lived in hiding in the northeast, it would also cover the fact that my identity is unclear.

Since a court magician even vouched for me, the academy wouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Of course, I cast a spell on Nathaniel’s body so that it would burn after a certain amount of time.

Eventually, it would become obvious if I kept manipulating the corpse with necromancy.

It was better to take what I needed and dispose of it before anyone noticed.

Fortunately, the cause of death seemed to be well hidden as I intended.

“Hmm.”

The artificial heart placed in the middle of the fragments.

I picked it up and examined it closely.

Anyway, manipulating a golem is no different in principle from manipulating a corpse with necromancy.

It’s just a difference of whether the magic added is white magic, or necromancy, which is particularly powerful among black magic.

And looking at the circuit configuration of the heart, it seems to have been a high-ranking golem.

It’s a shame that it’s hard to tell exactly how high-ranking it is just by looking at the circuit.

‘It’s like this even though my power hasn’t stabilized yet.’

I can’t even imagine how strong I’ll become when the increased magic power fully settles in.

Perhaps I’ll become a monster comparable to the ancient witch Altra.

Although there isn’t much information about her, they say she was a supremely powerful witch whom even the heroes of the time couldn’t touch.

“I’ll take this heart.”

I said, showing the power device in my hand.

Although it’s completely broken, it’s an artificial creature that escaped due to the carelessness of the Magic Tower.

If I take it as proof of subjugation, I might get extra points when I apply for a job.

At least, it means I have the ability to slice a high-ranking golem.

At my words, the travelers nodded and forced a smile.

They seemed to be nervous after meeting the woman presumed to be a warlock.

Still, it felt quite different from when I was treated as a disgusting necromancer.

‘My gender and appearance have really changed.’

Snicker. I smiled wryly and touched my smooth cheek, which looked like baby skin.

‘If it were like before, I would never have dreamed of receiving such awestruck gazes.’

“Let’s depart again. I don’t like to miss my scheduled appointments.”

As I put the power device in my pocket, the terrified travelers parted like the Red Sea.

Their behavior was reminiscent of the lower class making way for the Emperor’s procession.

There’s no need to be so subservient.

“Mr. Coachman? Let’s go. I can’t be late.”

I said indifferently and got back on the wagon.

Despite all this, I’m still in a position to beg for a job.

I had no intention of losing points by being late on the day of the interview.

“I hope the results are good.”

I muttered, unwrapping another lollipop.

Then, I put the exposed turquoise lump into my mouth.

But the moment it touched my tongue, I swore and spat it out.

“Ugh! D*mn…!”

It’s mint chocolate flavor!

Damn it, I bought the wrong one. I thought it was melon flavor.

I just ruined my appetite before mealtime. Who in the world buys and sells this kind of thing?

‘Death to all mint chocolate lovers.’

I muttered inwardly, throwing the candy out of the wagon.

“Hey, what are you doing? Let’s go! The warlock is waiting!”

“No, wait. Just a moment.”

At his companion’s urging, the bald man gulped and picked up a fragment of the broken golem.

A piece of the body cleanly cut by Shadow Slash.

The mark of the magic workshop that created the golem was painted on it.

‘Irminsul Research Society.’

The bald man was an adventurer who had accumulated experience by wandering here and there for half his life.

Naturally, he had a wealth of knowledge about golems and the Magic Tower that others didn’t know.

Wasn’t it thanks to that that he recognized the black magic, Shadow Slash, used by the woman?

And the Irminsul Research Society is an artificial weapon manufacturing workshop that uses the sacred Irminsul as its trademark.

It is a workshop that makes weapons in preparation for the invasion of Pandemonium, and it is the best laboratory in the Magic Tower, second to none in terms of manufacturing technology.

Even a failed golem created there would have the power to annihilate an army.

But this is not a failed product, but a prototype with a brand mark.

Even the current Magic Tower Master would find it difficult to subdue it in one blow.

But that woman did it.

And without even breaking a sweat, as easily as picking up a cookie from a plate.

As he recalled that, a shiver ran through his body and he couldn’t stand it.

‘Just what… just what in the world…’

Sweating profusely, the bald man stared blankly at the back of the wagon.

‘Who is riding in that wagon?’