Chapter 279: Matters Pending (2)
Invention of Pure Mana Appears in Yuren. Jektaine Declares It a Living Work of Art
Addicts from the Floating Island Still Roam the Expo Grounds… No One Knows What’s Keeping Them There
No-Name Mage Berbaldi Shows Talent Beyond Decalane—A New Tide Rises in the World of Magic
As Deculein had predicted, headlines across the continent—both from conventional outlets and the magic newspapers—were ablaze with talk of the Magicore. At the same time, bathed in the golden noon sunlight streaming through the glass windows, Epherene fought off the heavy pull of sleep, dragging herself back to awareness.
Epherene stifled a yawn and stole a glance at her supervising professor. Deculein, as usual, was engrossed in a massive scroll. Since yesterday, as soon as he stepped into his office, that same scroll had held his attention—its surface inked with alien symbols that looked as though they belonged to another world.
What is he even doing? Epherene thought.
“… I’m heading to the library to get some studying done,” Epherene said.
As expected, Deculein gave no response to Epherene’s words, so she gave a slight shrug and left the office, making her way down to the library.
“I didn’t think it’d be this packed.”
It was the middle of the semester, and the library was packed with mages—enthusiastic freshmen, seasoned students, and others so drained they looked ready to drop. Epherene slipped into an empty seat among them and set down a thick book—Science Fundamentals I, the introductory textbook for science students at the Mage Tower of the Empire.
Epherene was already halfway through the material, but not a single useful idea jumped out at her. Every chapter just described science as if it were nothing more than a tool to support magic.
“… Sigh,” Epherene murmured, her eyes skimming the sixth page before she shook her head.
This wasn’t enough, as what she needed was a study rooted in the true laws of the world—a science that stood on its own, not as magic’s support but as a field dedicated to understanding nature itself—in short, natural science.
“Wonder if they’ve got anything like that…” Epherene muttered, dragging herself up and heading for the information desk. “Excuse me, librarian?”
“Yes?” replied the librarian.
“Do you happen to have any new science books or magazines out lately?”
“Oh~ Pardon me?”
The librarian considered Epherene’s question for a moment, as it wasn’t every day a mage came asking for science books.
“Let me see… Oh, yes—there is one new release.”
“A new release?”
“Yes—it’s in section A-37, catalog number 1,503. You’re welcome to take a look at it.”
“Got it—thank you,” Epherene replied, giving a nod before heading toward A-37.
A-1, A-2, A-3…
Epherene passed row after row of shelves until she reached A-37, where the wood was old and worn—fitting for the science section—and she ran her fingers along the shelves, searching book by book.
And…
“Hmm?” Epherene muttered, tilting her head. “Number 1,502.”
Book one thousand five hundred two was there—she checked twice to be sure—but right after it came one thousand five hundred four, with only one thousand five hundred three missing, skipped as if it had never belonged.
“Where’s number 1,503?” Epherene muttered, scanning the shelf.
“It’s over here, number 1,503,” replied a voice—young at first, but with an inexplicable gravity beneath it.
Epherene turned toward the sound and startled—there, tucked into the shadows at the edge of the shelves, stood a child, completely still, reading a book one thousand five hundred three, open in their hands.
“Wait, are you—Ria?”
Ria, from the Red Garnet Adventure Team, was no stranger to the Adventure Journal, with her name and face showing up from time to time.
“Long time no see! What are you doing here—and why is that book in your hands?” Epherene said, her smile blooming before she finished speaking.
Ria is holding the label for number 1,503. Does she like science too? Epherene thought.
Epherene gave a smile and leaned in to see the cover of the book Ria was holding.
“Let’s see, the title of the book is…”
“Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, Volume One,” Ria said—her voice unusually rigid, unlike her at all. “In short, it’s called Principia.”
***
… Lately, Ria had been staying in the Capital—no, within the Imperial Palace itself. After making a name for herself during the cursed mansion incident, she’d caught the eye of Empress Sophien.
Thanks to that, she was now both a witness in the Altar’s criminal case involving Sirio and Jaelon, who were locked in the underground prison, and a guest with a rather luxurious room inside the Imperial Palace.
Since then, Ria had been gaining experience by tackling everything from minor quests to major quests around the Imperial Palace. But today, of all days, boredom got the better of her, so she stepped outside with the library at the Mage Tower of the Empire as her destination.
Ria had only come to read a novel, flashing her adventurer’s identification card at the entrance, but she stumbled across that book—that new release—waiting as if it had been placed there just for her.
The moment Ria saw the cover of Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, Volume One, slipped between worn wooden shelves, something stirred within her as she turned the cover and its complex formulas began to reveal themselves, making her heart begin to pound.
“… This is knowledge from the modern world,” Ria muttered.
Anyone could’ve sensed it—even someone without a day of study in their life—but Ria wasn’t one of those people. Having graduated from a respected four-year university, kept up with self-development, and never been the type to give up on math or science, she didn’t just understand the book when she opened it, but also saw the possibility hiding between the lines.
“There’s… someone else? I’m not the only one?”
The possibility that, in this world, she wasn’t the only one from the modern world.
“Hmm?”
It was at that moment, as Ria reeled from the shock, that Epherene’s voice reached her ears.
“Where’s number 1,503?”
There she was—Epherene, moving from shelf to shelf, clearly searching for a book one thousand five hundred three.
“… It’s over here, number 1,503,” Ria replied, her throat tightening as she swallowed.
“Hmm? Wait, are you—Ria?” Epherene said, her eyes widening before her smile bloomed. “Long time no see! What are you doing here—and why is that book in your hands?”
Epherene clapped her hands, delighted to see Ria, who watched her expression closely as Epherene then tilted her head, peering at the cover of the book in Ria’s hands.
“Let’s see, the title of the book is…”
“Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, Volume One. In short, it’s called Principia.”
“… Principia?” Epherene said, tilting her head.
At that moment, Ria let out a sigh of relief.
No, it’s not her. Of course—it could never be Epherene, Ria thought.
“Yes,” Ria replied, and the stiffness in her face melted away.
“Umm… I’m not sure what it is, but I think I need that. Are you planning to read it now?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll just take a quick look… Wait, you’re really going to read it?”
“Yes.”
This world inside the game had revealed hints of modern knowledge—and now, standing across from Epherene, who was searching for that very knowledge, Ria knew one thing—she wouldn’t let this strange, fateful moment go to waste.
“Yeah? Then I’ll just…”
“There’s only one copy in the library,” Ria said to a hesitant Epherene.
“… Oh, I see. Then I’ll just wait till you’re finished.”
“Or would you like to read it together at the Imperial Palace?”
“… To the Imperial Palace?” Epherene muttered, her hand reaching to the back of her neck in hesitation.
“Yes, I’m staying at the Imperial Palace these days. They’re really kind to me. I help out with little tasks and all kinds of things.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Would you like to come to the Imperial Palace with me today? We can read the book together there.”
“That sounds good to me—anyone interested in science is always welcome. After all, it all ends up as material for my thesis,” Epherene replied, scratching the top of her head for a moment before offering a smile.
***
It was Wednesday, which meant only one thing—time again for Sophien’s instruction.
However, before I could make my way to the Empress, I found myself standing in the middle of Rohakan’s Vineyard, and the moment I saw Epherene heading down toward the library, I stepped through the mirror without hesitation.
“My protégé, it’s been quite some time~”
And today, the Rohakan I met looked even younger—barely in his early twenties and younger than I am now—with death drawing near.
“What brings you here today?” Rohakan added, offering me a smile.
“… I have met the Last Follower,” I replied.
The Last Follower—that was the name they gave the final boss, the last relic of the Holy Era.
“Is that so?” Rohakan said, nodding and stroking his chin as if he had understood my words.
“Therefore, it is because of him that I’ve come,” I said, offering the Holy Language scroll to Rohakan.
“… Woah, what in the world is this?” Rohakan said, his eyes widening as he took in the scroll.
It looked like someone had rolled up a carpet and called it a scroll, and the moment Rohakan saw it, he let out a laugh.
“It is the Holy Language once spoken by the followers of the past,” I replied. “The very system of language the Altar has been seeking for so long. I came to ask your thoughts on—”
“I don’t know the language either.”
I remained silent.
“Let me see it,” Rohakan said. “I’ll at least take a look.”
Rohakan unrolled the scroll, scanned the letters, and his brow creased as he read.
“I can’t make sense of a word,” Rohakan continued, handing the scroll back without spending much time on it. “Go on—take it back.”
I parted my lips to say something but stopped, pulled the scroll into my arms, and held it close.
“Haha, I must admit, there are things even I don’t know,” Rohakan said, scratching his head. “No one knows everything. If I did, I’d be God—don’t you think?”
“Then I will take my leave,” I replied, turning away.
Rohakan suddenly reached out, caught my arm, and said, “Woah, woah, my protégé. You visit after so long, only to leave so early—”
“Time is running out for the continent. Let go of me, Rohakan.”
“… You are always in such a rush. Then go and find Sophien.”
I looked back to Rohakan once more.
“The answer may lie closer than you think,” Rohakan continued, still holding onto my sleeve with a smile. “Isn’t Sophien the one who holds all the talent of this continent?”
I’d always known the Holy Language was impossible to interpret on my own, but I’d never once thought that maybe, just maybe—with Sophien—it could be done.
Of course, Sophien had the potential to master every field on the continent—everything a human could ever hope to achieve, however…
“… He is Sophien’s greatest enemy,” I said.
“I know,” Rohakan replied. “And it is for that very reason you must stand with Sophien.”
A classical idiom popped into my head.
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat[1].”
“Yes, exactly that. To break the enemy, you must first understand your enemy.”
“But in doing so,” I replied, “you may find yourself assimilated by the enemy.”
“… Trust Sophien,” Rohakan said, releasing my sleeve and meeting my eyes. “Yes, it may take time. As you said, she may come to resemble him. But if the two of you stand side by side—learn side by side—what is there that you cannot overcome?”
Rohakan’s face lit up with a smile—neither gentle nor kind, but mischievous—like that of a boy who knew exactly how to get under your skin.
“The power of love is a mighty thing, Deculein.”
Love—whatever that meant—I never really understood what it was. But I knew Deculein’s heart was with Yulie, and that alone hurt more with every passing day, as every night I’d see her face and somehow feel her pain echo in my chest as if it were my own.
On the other hand, Kim Woo-Jin’s heart was with Yoo Ah-Ra—his friend, family, and lover for years—and although he missed her, part of him had started to let go. That was the difference—where Woo-Jin yielded to the ache and let it pass, Deculein stood unmoved—unyielding, unbroken, unbending.
“I am merely showing my loyalty to Her Majesty.”
… However, in the swirl of emotions between the two selves within me, there was still nothing that could be called love for Sophien.
“Not you, Deculein. I speak of Sophien. Sophien loves you.”
“… I am aware.”
“More than you are aware of. Perhaps she will come to love you more than you’ve loved yourself,” Rohakan said.
Without answering, I nodded, turned away, and walked out of the vineyard one step at a time.
***
Meanwhile, as Rohakan took the liberty of discussing Sophien’s love with Deculein…
“How interesting.”
Empress Sophien was completely absorbed in the video projected by the crystal orb—so much so that she actually muttered something was interesting for the first time in ages.
“The Star of Mana, is it?” Sophien said.
The Star of Mana, the highlight of the Yuren Magical Expo, was the single masterpiece that turned what would have been a dull event into the most heated and sensational expo that the people had ever seen.
“Your Majesty, this invention has taken the continent by storm,” Ahan replied, lowering her head. “With a shape that resembles pure condensed mana and miraculous functions—such as its ability to learn on its own—even the Mage Tower of the Empire has found its lecture halls all but deserted.”
It wasn’t an exaggeration—nearly every professor from the Mage Tower of the Empire had gone to Yuren, and with the flood of visitors pouring in from the Floating Island, a single night’s stay now cost no less than one thousand elne.
“… And its creator remains unknown?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. It is said the inventor who presented it disappeared immediately afterward.”
“Hmm, I suppose that means Creáto’s invention has been entirely eclipsed.”
It is unfortunate for Creáto. Though he presented at this expo, of all things, it had to be completely eclipsed by the Star of Mana. I wonder if he’s tucked himself away somewhere, weeping in a corner, Sophien thought.
“…Well, who but I would care for Creáto? Purchase his invention at a generous price under an anonymous name, and track down that mage, Berbaldi, as they may prove a valuable asset if we can bring them in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“However, does Deculein have no interest in any of this?” Sophien said with a smile. “Even with his father’s name making the rounds—for all the wrong reasons?”
Berbaldi, once a no-name mage, was now celebrated for talent surpassing even Decalane, prompting frantic searches for him by both the Floating Island and the Mage Tower.
“That, Your Majesty—”
Knock, knock—
“Your Majesty, Instructor Mage Deculein has arrived.”
Speak of the devil—right then, Deculein knocked at the door.
“Come in, Professor,” Sophien said, hardening her expression before the meeting and clearing her throat.
Today, Empress Sophien was determined to confront Deculein with the full authority of her throne, refusing to let his audacious question—whether she loved him—blurted out in Yuren go unchallenged.
Creeeeeak—
However, as the door creaked open, there stood Deculein—holding what looked like a carpet in his arms.
“Your Majesty,” Deculein said.
Sophien had been ready to scold him, but the moment she saw Deculein looking so completely ridiculous, her brow furrowed in disbelief instead.
“… What is that in your hand?”
“It is a language, Your Majesty.”
“A language?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I thought it worth bringing, hoping we might learn it together,” Deculein replied as he stepped forward and placed the scroll before her.
“There isn’t a language in this world I don’t already know. I’ve no need to study it,” Sophien replied with a scoff.
“Yes, Your Majesty, and for that very reason, your advice and talent are in desperate need.”
“… My help is in desperate need?”
Now that’s rare—Deculein being humble. Back when he had nothing, not even a name to lean on, he wore his pride like armor, Sophien thought.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I would consider it an honor to learn this language alongside you.”
The simple phrase—together with Your Majesty—was enough to catch Sophien’s interest.
“So this is not an instruction, then?” Sophien asked.
“No, Your Majesty. It is something to be learned—and understood—together,” Deculein replied, looking as serious as he sounded.
“What kind of language are we speaking of? Is it really of such importance?” Sophien asked, her tone now tempered by his seriousness.
What Deculein said next was more than enough to stir something deep within Sophien—a ripple across still waters.
“Your Majesty, it is the Holy Language of the Holy Era—the one the Altar has spent ages trying to find.”
1. From Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, emphasizing that understanding both yourself and your enemy is crucial for consistent success in conflict. ☜
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