The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 125



Only Krnovel

Episode 125 five pillars (2)

Still, Kadim and Duncan were guided into the tower. They had to find the person responsible and transfer the body.

The interior looked simpler than I had vaguely imagined. Although the passageway, made of white bricks, looked clean, there was no room for wonder or mystery like the majestic exterior.

Kadim scanned the scenery dryly. It was unexpected. I thought Melissa would decorate it a little more extravagantly. I vaguely asked the light blue-robed wizard ahead of me.

“It’s more ordinary than it looks. I can’t see any other wizards. “Is the entire inside of the Magic Tower like this?”

“… … I’m sorry, but I can’t explain the structure of the Magic Tower to someone from outside. There’s nothing else I can explain to you.”

The wizard responded with a look of discomfort at having to treat barbarians with respect. As Kadim fixed the corpse, he scoffed and laughed as if it were not the same.

Before long, a dead white wall appeared.

It was a complete mess, without stairs or doors. Duncan looked puzzled, but Kadim was indifferent. Of course, he was doing something mysterious.

As expected, the wizard knocked on various parts of the wall. Blue-glowing concentric circles and mysterious letters appeared.

“Come on, Al, Marquine, Le Moon, Pon. To the reception room on the 42nd floor.”

Coo coo coo coo… … .

The dead-end wall receded to the other side, and the passage ahead twisted like a twisted egg, revealing a new path. The wizard winked with a face that seemed to be indifferent, but with a hint of pride.

“This way. Please follow me.”

“Oh oh… … .”

Duncan whispered softly, admiring like a child.

“My goodness, is this the way we move through all spaces? Or, do other places have more special access methods?”

“… … “Is that something you’re that curious about?”

“Yes, yes! I’m always curious! This is a place that is difficult to even visit once in a lifetime unless you are a wizard… … .”

“Then I’ll give you a chance to look around more soon. “Make sure you memorize the structure of this place and how to get in and out.”

“……yes?”

Extremely meaningful words. For some reason, I felt an uneasy feeling. I tried to ask him what he meant, but Kadim was already ahead of him.

I passed through the door in the center of the passage and reached the reception room. It wasn’t a particularly mysterious space either. A simple, cramped corner of the room illuminated by white lights.

“Please sit here comfortably and wait. Someone who can take responsibility for this incident… … “I will find you and bring you back soon.”

The wizard left those words and left.

Then, Kadim immediately puts down the corpse, takes out weapons from his inventory, and arms himself.

Duncan was horrified at the sight.

“Well, what are you doing, Nauri? Didn’t you come to negotiate with the wizards in exchange for the body?

“Okay, so you are preparing for negotiations.”

“… … .”

Violence and fear are always useful negotiating tools. And this time, the opponents are none other than those unsavory magicians. No matter how thoroughly prepared, this negotiation was not enough.

However, there was no need for Duncan’s force. At a time when division of labor was necessary, peddlers had other tasks to entrust to them.

“I don’t even have eyes to see. Duncan, you should go outside right now and look around.”

“Yeh?!”

In order to keep his promise with Hendark, he needed to spy on the inner secrets of the Magic Tower, separate from looking at the records. The peddler, who was good at hiding his presence, was the perfect person for the job. However, since it was not an ordinary place, he planned to have him take a quick look around first.

Of course, Duncan didn’t know about that. He just assumed that was because of what he had said earlier.

“I, sir, I, no, was joking! I, in fact, have no interest in seeing the magic tower! Please, just look around here… … .”

“I guess so. I’m not kidding. It’s absolutely necessary, so leave before it’s too late. “If you are found, I will come and help you.”

“… … Ah, no, that, but, Your Majesty, isn’t this the Magic Tower? You can subdue other enemies with your own strength, but if the magicians use some strange trick… … .”

“Don’t worry. I’ll know right away if the wizards are fooling around, and I’ll definitely have the means to neutralize them.”

“… … ?”

Modern mana is mixed with ‘magic energy’, so Khadim could not have known the omen. Moreover, if you recite a spell, all you have to do is tear off the mouth, and even if other means were used, there was a ‘sure way to deal with it’ given to him by Archpaladin.

Kadim held Duncan’s shoulder and spoke firmly again.

“You don’t have to go too far. For now, it’s enough to just look around the hallways on this floor. Just check how this place is structured and if there are any special devices, and then come back.”

“… … .”

“A poor guide trembles when he strays even slightly from the map, but the best guide is not afraid to explore unfamiliar paths. What kind of guide are you, Duncan?”

Those words stimulated the peddler’s pride. After biting his lip once, he answered in a depressed voice.

“… … The greatest guide, Duncan Wheeled. I will obey that command, Your Majesty.”

“… … .”

In the end, Duncan went out with a solemn expression. Kadim returned to his seat with a hollow laugh. He swept the trembling axe handle and waited for his negotiating partner to come.

A moment later, a wizard entered the reception room.

A plain-looking wizard wearing red robes. He looked like he was of the same rank as the dead wizard. He frowned twice, once when he saw Khadim and once when he saw the corpse, and then sighed as if the ground was falling apart.

“Phew, damn it… … . You were bragging about catching a bunch of high-level demons and getting into the Elders’ Council, and what the hell is this, Captain? I’m so embarrassed… … .”

“… … .”

“Ah, you’re the barbarian who brought the commander’s body? Well, it wasn’t something pleasant to meet, but it’s nice to meet you. Thanks to you, I was able to get my unit commander back, even if it was belatedly, from the absence of any news. My name is Asillus Concerator, a conjurer-rank wizard who is the vice-captain of the Battle Mage unit. “What is your name?”

“… … Kadim. Don’t you suspect that I killed that wizard?”

“Hmm? I don’t know what you’re talking about. How could a criminal kill a Conjurer-level wizard? Of course, it would have been a high-level demon.”

“… … .”

It was a misunderstanding that Kadim, who had already killed several similar wizards, was grateful for. After explaining the circumstances of his discovery, he asked a question.

“If you’re a Conjurer, how high up is your position? I’ve heard somewhere that you’re above the Invoker.”

At that moment, Asillus’s brow twitched. Her seemingly ordinary expression showed an expression of extreme displeasure.

“… … The Magic Tower Wizard’s organization is divided into six ranks. Apprentice, Seeker, Invoker, Conjurer, Sage, and Master.”

“… … .”

“Most wizards can’t get past the Invoker level, so Conjurers are considered high-level wizards. However, Masters and Sages are ranks that are only allowed to the Tower Lords and Elders, so ordinary people don’t even have a chance to face them. In other words, a Conjurer like me is effectively the highest-level wizard you can face.”

It would have been nice to stop there, but the wizard became serious and added something.

“So, if you understand, stop babbling and use honorifics, barbarian. Aren’t I also respecting you and not kicking you out? If I just memorized a few spells, you would be turned into a piece of crushed meat… … “It would be difficult for you to try to match me just because I met you in person like this.”

“… … .”

“Tsk, if it wasn’t for the commander’s job, I would have left the problem of dealing with the barbarian to the Apprentice guys… … .”

A tone of speech that is thick with the arrogance characteristic of wizards.

If Duncan had been here, he would have fully guessed what was going to happen from now on. Therefore, he must have hastily tried to calm Kadim down and mediate the situation.

But there were no peddlers in this place.

―――― Kwa-Ang!!

A huge ax blade that strikes like a black lightning strike.

Debris flew in all directions, leaving extensive scars.

It was a much faster and more destructive ax strike than most magic. The wizard’s eyes were wide open due to a sudden bolt of lightning. No, there’s a protection spell on that flagstone, so it wouldn’t even be scratched by most impacts… … .

On the other hand, Kadim was calm as if he had done what he had to do.

“I am also respecting you.”

“What, what, what, what, what is this…” … .”

“In return for delivering my rotten corpse, didn’t I let you live even after hearing such nonsense? What a beautiful mutual respect. “Is there anything else you want to say?”

“Yes, you, you, you, you, you think you’ll get away with this… … .”

“If you recite the spell, I will rip your mouth open. If you call for reinforcements, I will rip your mouth open. No, if you just breathe through your mouth, I will rip your mouth open like a rag. If you want to test whether your tongue or my palm is faster, go ahead and try, wizard.”

“… … .”

If it had been another wizard, he would probably have recited the spell without coming to his senses during this time.

However, Asilus was not just a person who studied magic in a corner of his room. The famous husband and wife of Battle Mage, an experienced battle mage who has experienced all kinds of battles. As the pride that clouded his intuition lifted, he could feel it clearly. A life that spreads so viciously that it makes your eyes tremble and your spine tingle.

This barbarian was overwhelmingly more dangerous than any demon or monster he had ever encountered.

Without hesitation, Achilles closed his mouth and eyes tightly and lowered his head deeply. A heavy snorting sound echoed from under the table.

“… … You can raise your head. “You can just breathe through your mouth.”

Seeing that pitiful sight, Kadim decided to take a step back.

“I apologize for suddenly swinging my axe, Mage Nari. You can tell the others that you swung your magic in anger at my rudeness, and that I twisted my tail. Then it won’t hurt your reputation, right?”

The wizard blushed with humiliation, but readily accepted.

“Then now it is time to discuss compensation. The process of transporting the body was so difficult that it would not be possible to rely on something weak. “I think an appropriate reward would be at least the knowledge that the Magic Tower cherishes.”

“… … .”

“For example, the records left behind by the first Matapju, Melissa.”

“… … what?”

The moment he heard those words, great suspicion appeared on Asilus’ face.

It was a very unsettling reaction for Kadim. What, I guess it’s true that Melissa built this tower? Could it be that we came this far and there is no record?

It wasn’t like that. But the answer that came back was nothing but a mystery.

“How do you know about the records of the first Magic Tower? Are you… … one of Elder Oklamud’s side? Huh, even if the Tower Lord was away, how could you threaten someone so openly inside the Magic Tower… … .”

“… … ?”

“… … No, wait, that can’t be true. Elder Oklamud hates barbarians. There’s no way we don’t know that we don’t have any ‘pillars’… … . What, then where did you come from… … .”

Boom – !

“I wish you would explain it to me step by step from the beginning. I can’t understand a single word you are saying.”

As he struck the axe handle against the ground, the look of confusion disappeared from Asilus’ face. Instead, a deep sense of defeat took over.

“… … What? You don’t understand what I’m saying?”

“… … .”

“I, I mean, then can I just pretend I didn’t hear what you just said? It’s something that outsiders absolutely must not know… … . I, I’ll give you any other compensation you want… … .”

“… … .”

Of course, that couldn’t be the case. He stared sternly, telling her not to say anything so absurd.

It was impossible to collect the words that had already poured out. Asilus bit her nails, washed her face dry, and sighed heavily. She had a resigned look in her eyes, as if after her long agony she had made some kind of decision.

“Pooh, damn it… … Okay, then let’s do it like this. Please tell me honestly what your affiliation is and why you want to see the records. Only then will I be able to clearly decide whether to cooperate with you or not… … .”

“… … .”

Kadim answered honestly. No affiliation, the reason being personal curiosity about Melissa’s whereabouts.

Asillus looked dumbfounded.

“… … Are you serious? It’s not because I want to know about ancient magic, devastating visions, or research records that reach the peak of mystery… … “I’m just curious about the events of her life that she recorded?”

“Yes.”

“… … .”

“Anyway, I couldn’t figure out what that piece of magic was.”

Achilles chuckled and laughed.

“Heh, kekeke, kekekekeke… … I’ve met countless weirdos in my tower, but I don’t think there’s anyone like you… … . You’re looking for a treasure trove filled with an incredible amount of gold and silver, but the reason you’re here is to pick up the rocks inside… … .”

“… … .”

“Well, it doesn’t seem like I’m lying… … Under those conditions, it seems like we can cooperate sufficiently. That’s good, I’ll accept you as ‘our side’ in recognition of your contribution in transferring the body of Commander Ramacren. “If you cooperate as best as you can for the time being, ‘we’ will definitely be the first to access the records.”

The flow of conversation was quite awkward. Kadim crossed his arms with a displeased expression.

“… … “Isn’t that record something that just a high-ranking wizard can read?”

“That’s right. As I said before, the records of the first Magic Tower Lord are not just ordinary records. There are many opinions about her life… … “The knowledge and records she left behind are treated like the ultimate relics within the Magic Tower.”

“… … .”

“However, the previous Tower Lords personally sealed those records because they were too dangerous and could be easily misused. So, officially, the only one who has the authority to read those records is the owner of this Tower, the ‘Tower Lord.’”

A look of great disappointment appeared on Kadim’s face. He thought that negotiations with that tower lord would be much more difficult.

But it was still too early to give in to despair. The wizards’ desire for powerful knowledge and higher realms was incomparable to other universal desires.

The wizards somehow found a way to access the records.

The place where the records of the first Magic Tower Lord are kept is the lowest level of the Magic Tower. It was a place where entry was impossible without permission from the tower owner, but one day, an elder of the Presbyterian Council looked through the design of the magic tower and discovered that there was a secret passage leading there.

However, in order to use that passage, two conditions had to be met.

“When the Lord of the Tower stays in the Magic Tower, he watches over everything, so he had to leave. Also, the powerful magical tools called the ‘Five Pillars’, commonly known as the ‘Pillars’, were needed as keys to the passage.”

“… … .”

“The Lord of the Tower rarely leaves his seat. So, no one dared to use the passage until now. However, a few days ago, the Lord of the Tower went on an external inspection, and the opportunity finally came to everyone. The opportunity to go to the lowest level of the Magic Tower, the ‘Tomb of the First Magic Tower Lord’ where the great records are kept… … .”

When he got to that part, Kadim quickly stopped talking.

“… … “Wait a minute, what did you just say?”

“hmm? “They said it was the tomb of the first Mage Tower lord.”

The cold, flowing silence of each passing moment.

Kadim gritted his teeth. Something in her that was getting thick and thick took over, and she asked again in a voice that sank like an abyss.

“Does that mean that the first Matapju… is definitely dead?”

“Huh, then she’s still alive? Look, she lived over 200 years ago. Even if she’s a great wizard who can turn the world upside down, she can’t go against the laws of life.”

“… … .”

A heavy, empty gaze.

Eventually, a thin crack spread across the face of the warrior who abandoned his comrades.