New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (2/2 chapters)
Magic Guild and Order of the Holy Knights
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The port town of Dali Amor on the Rauda Continent. That town once lost its function as a city. Its residents left, and tourists wouldn’t be visiting anytime soon. Trade imports and exports had also significantly decreased compared to before.
It was no surprise. The San Amolina Great Cathedral, considered a symbol of the city, had been destroyed in an explosion. No, it would be more accurate to say it was caught up in an explosion.
About a year ago, a certain organization caused a major incident in this land. The name of the organization was the Light’s Droplet Orchestra. These troubadour brigades plotted to change the world by kidnapping, brainwashing, and indoctrinating children. Their goal was the end of war. By removing children from warfare, they sought to reduce the number of newly trained warriors, thereby creating a peaceful world.
However, the incident was brought to an end thanks to the collaboration between the adventurer party Chevalier de Liberta and the noble Stride Household from Barwitch. The witch of Friedenhen, Medna Loren, who was considered the mastermind, had her powers sealed and was defeated by a boy known as Jack. Her body was heavily damaged, but there was no doubt it was that of the witch of Friedenhen herself. The partial destruction of the San Amolina Great Cathedral was a scar left behind by the incident.
Only a few knew the truth that they had simply been used. The true mastermind was an elderly man with a perplexed expression, holding a coffee mug in a desolate café in this now-silent tourist town, Ozeas Skillwood.
“Your guests have arrived.” (Staff)
The staff guided in two men, Colin Briggs of the Fourth Rank of the Order of Melpeque Holy Knights, and Giovanni Battista Vincenzoni of the Sixth Rank. Both wore the same knightly attire as they walked in. These two, like Ozeas, belonged to the Holy Knights of the Melpeque Church. Ozeas was the Order of the Holy Knights’ druid and served as a high priest, a central figure. For the two who had just entered, he was essentially their superior.
“You are late, are you not?” (Ozeas)
Ozeas deepened the wrinkles on his weathered face as he glared briefly at the two. Seeing this, Colin spread his arms and replied openly.
“Boss, it ain’t like we were foolin’ around on the way here. Just got a bit disheartened by the way this town’s changed, y’know?” (Colin)
“Hmm…” (Ozeas)
Ozeas felt the same way. This town, which he had been so familiar with for years, was now in this state. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to indulge in some sentimentality.
“Very well. The guest has not yet arrived. Wait a little longer.” (Ozeas)
“Aye, aye.” (Colin)
Colin stood lightly behind the right side of Ozeas’s seat, while Giovanni stood stiffly to his left. Compared to the easygoing Colin, Giovanni gave off a rigid impression. His long blond hair was neatly parted to the side, and his beard was carefully trimmed.
“By the way, Giovanni…” (Ozeas)
“Yes?” (Giovanni)
“How are things with Timaeus?” (Ozeas)
Ozeas casually asked, as if making small talk. Timaeus was the Sage of Thunder, often referred to as the ruler of the skies. As part of a contract, Timaeus lent his power to the Order of the Holy Knights in exchange for one of their members being sent to him as an attendant. Aside from Ozeas, the Order of the Holy Knights had one member for each rank from First to Sixth, making a total of six. As the lowest-ranking member, Giovanni was the one always sent to fulfill this duty.
“How are things, you ask? He’s an obstacle to my aspirations, that’s all.” (Giovanni)
Giovanni replied curtly, his tone one of clear dissatisfaction. Due to the contract, he could not descend to the lower world without Timaeus’ orders.
“Don’t say that. In this job, all the hardship you’ve endured so far might finally bear fruit. It would be troublesome if Timaeus got upset with us. Endure it until your term is over.” (Ozeas)
“Understood.” (Giovanni)
Giovanni understood that it was part of the job. No, more than that, he accepted it as a matter of principle, a fact of the world.
A little while later, three guests arrived at the same café. The guests Ozeas had invited as business partners included a prominent figure from the Magic Guild. This person was a noble from a renowned magical lineage, famous for more than just his titles.
With silver hair, deep blue eyes, and delicate features, his appearance was the epitome of beauty. Despite this, his cold, three-white eyes left the worst first impression, something he himself saw as a source of frustration.
“Hmm. Welcome, young Grand Mage Anfan Ewig zu Schwarzschild. I imagine this town must be rather depressing?” (Ozeas)
The “young Grand Mage”… but in fact, Anfan was about to turn 40. Certainly, he looked young, but to Ozeas, he was still a greenhorn by comparison, hence the remark.
Ozeas sighed self-deprecatingly and glanced briefly out the window. To him, this town was like a garden. The state it was in now, desolate, naturally filled him with lament.
“Not at all. The cityscape is splendid.” (Anfan)
The silver-haired man, Anfan Ewig zu Schwarzschild, replied crisply and decisively. He effortlessly brushed aside Ozeas’s attempt to take the upper hand. This composure was why he was considered an elite. In business dealings, he never placed himself in a subordinate position, though he was flexible enough to adapt to situations. This adaptability had propelled him to where he was now.
“And the two behind you?” (Ozeas)
Ozeas glanced briefly at the two standing behind Anfan. They were both young women, not yet of age. Even as Anfan sat at the table, the two remained standing, stiff as statues.
“They’re two members of the Magic Guild accompanying me. They’ll be useful in the ruins investigation. Forgive me for omitting formal introductions.” (Anfan)
“No problem. I just wondered if you’d brought along two mistresses, that’s all.” (Ozeas)
“Hardly. I have some decorum. I’m a father of two and not at an age to be so indulgent.” (Anfan)
“Is that so? My apologies. Let me introduce my men. Colin, Fourth Rank of the the Order of the Holy Knights, and Giovanni, Sixth Rank. They’ll assist with this mission.” (Ozeas)
Ozeas gestured with his hand to introduce each of his subordinates.
“Gi…!” (??)
The one who reacted was the woman standing to Anfan’s right. She was staring at Giovanni in shock. Her weapon, tucked under her arm, fell to the floor, and she hastily bent down to pick it up.
“Is there a problem?” (Ozeas)
“No, no. My apologies.” (Woman)
Ozeas questioned her, but she clearly seemed flustered. Giovanni glanced at her momentarily, then indifferently averted his gaze.
It was no wonder. About a year ago, she had challenged Giovanni alongside her comrades and dealt him a fatal wound. Although she thought her comrades had delivered the final blow, here he was, standing before her as if nothing had happened. It wasn’t unreasonable for her to be surprised.
“Lizbeth, is something the matter?” (Anfan)
It was Anfan, the leader, who addressed her. He knew how to handle his subordinates, and offering a word of concern was his way of maintaining decorum in business relationships.
“No… nothing at all. Truly, I apologize.” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth Heckart. She was a rising star in the Magic Guild, handling everything from desk work to fieldwork with exceptional skill. Her background as an adventurer before joining the guild was well-known within its ranks. In a guild that primarily recruited from magical universities, her adventurer background made her a notable exception. This was the first time she had lost her composure during a job.
Anfan, having high expectations of her, had brought her along on this major assignment, which only made him more attentive to her.
“Well then, let us discuss the details of the request once again.” (Ozeas)
Ozeas took the lead, steering the conversation back on track. For Colin and Giovanni, this was the first time hearing about the details of their mission. Anfan promptly responded, ready to proceed.
“Very well. It’s about the Azarigrad Labyrinth on the neighboring Rivada Continent. You’re aware of it, aren’t you?” (Anfan)
“Even an old man like me is still a druid of the Melpeque Church. Even a child would have heard of the legendary sorcerer Emped.” (Ozeas)
Ozeas frowned at Anfan’s words.
“My apologies. What we’re targeting this time is the Rhizomata Volga, which is said to have been created by Emped.” (Anfan)
“Oh, so you intend to grasp even the power of mystery in your hands?” (Ozeas)
Ozeas’s tone conveyed his displeasure. That was only natural. Druids of the Melpeque Church were originally created to conceal magic. Their view of magic was formed together with their faith. In contrast, the Magic Guild had no sense of faith. They were people who sought to analyze and expose magic through curiosity. It was obvious that they would inherently clash with the church.
“You people are always the same. When you desecrate the power of the gods in droves, you throw the cleanup to us. You haven’t forgotten about the ‘Akasha Lineage’ from 20 years ago, have you?” (Ozeas)
The Akasha Lineage. That sacred text was said to depict the lineage of mana. It was a relic of supreme value for exploring the origins of magic. 20 years ago, a folklore research team led by Professor Gawain Alberty discovered that sacred text in the Gala Ruins and brought it back to the Magic University. As it happened, Anfan’s close friend Isaiah Aldridge was also part of that research team. Anfan clearly remembered the events of that time.
“Of course not. But this time, we’ve prepared thoroughly. That’s why we’re asking for your cooperation in this way.” (Anfan)
Anfan did not flinch under Ozeas’s glare. He understood the essence of the man known as Ozeas Skillwood. That essence was that, above all else, Ozeas valued money more than even the gods.
Anfan snapped his fingers, and a large sack of gold coins dropped from thin air with a thud.
The table filled with the unexpected bounty. It must have been fifty million gold coins. When converted to Solido currency on the neighboring Rivada Continent, it would amount to 5 billion Solido.
“Oh, so this is the rumored ‘Portal Site’. When humans refine their magic, it indeed approaches the power of mystery… Very well. We will lend the strength of our Order.” (Ozeas)
“Thank you for your cooperation.” (Anfan)
By now, Ozeas’s eyes were fixed solely on the gold coins before him. Even as a druid, age could corrupt a man with malice. Ozeas was one such example.
“Now, as for unsealing the Rhizomata Volga, it requires five Volgas, correct?” (Ozeas)
Without taking his eyes off the gold coins, Ozeas continued.
“That’s right. First, we and your two men will visit the respective sages. Negotiation, bribery, and if necessary, forcible acquisition are all on the table.” (Anfan)
“I see. So, I take it this gold you’ve given us could also be interpreted as a bribe for Timaeus?” (Ozeas)
The Sage of Thunder, Timaeus, had created the Keraunos Volga, a weapon in the form of a thunder spear. Timaeus had lent the thunder spear to the Order of the Holy Knights, keeping Giovanni Battista close as an attendant in exchange.
“If the Keraunos Volga is already in hand, then, interpret it that way if you like.” (Anfan)
“…Giovanni Battista.” (Ozeas)
Ozeas gave a brief glance to the man standing quietly behind him to the left.
“Understood.” (Giovanni Battista)
Giovanni Battista pulled a cylinder from his pocket and extended it forward. As soon as the sound of intense lightning echoed, thunder spears shot out from both ends of the cylinder and materialized.
Seeing this spectacle, the three members of the Magic Guild gasped in amazement. However, Lizbeth Heckart, who stood on the right, wore a different kind of stunned expression. About a year ago, her party member Alfred had fought Giovanni Battista and been wounded. Now she learned that the spear Alfred had struggled against was one of the Volga series.
The battle between the Volcanic Volga and the Keraunos Volga. However, the Volcanic Volga, wielded by Alfred, had been overwhelmed by the power of the Keraunos Volga. The hallmark of the Volgas was that their power varied dramatically depending on the wielder.
“As you can see, the Keraunos Volga is here.” (Giovanni Battista)
Watching this transaction unfold, Lizbeth was internally conflicted. The upcoming mission on the Rivada Continent would be a journey to pursue the Volga series.
Lizbeth knew that the Volcanic Volga was no longer at the Baira Volcano. Instead, it was in the possession of a red-haired, foul-mouthed man living a quiet life in the countryside.
Should she reveal this to her superior? Or would doing so betray her old friend Alfred?
Either choice would mean betraying someone.
Thus, only three Volgas awaited them on the Rivada Continent, the Aquaram Volga of the Water Sage Undine, the Aerial Volga of the Wind Sage Sylphide, and the Arsenal Volga of the Earth Sage Gnome.
All Lizbeth could do now was silently hope that this mission would fail in some unforeseen way.
“By the way, about the interior of the Azarigrad Labyrinth, is there no problem with conquering it? I hear no one has made it to the sealed area of the Rhizomata Volga.” (Ozeas)
“…Well.” (Anfan)
Anfan placed his hand on his forehead and looked down, as if troubled.
“About that… I greatly apologize. Normally, I would never allow personal matters to interfere with business, but—” (Anfan)
“What is it? What do you mean?” (Ozeas)
“We’ve sent Magic Guild units in advance to gather data on the labyrinth. With that, conquering it shouldn’t be too difficult. However…” (Anfan)
For once, Anfan faltered. Despite maintaining an equal footing throughout their discussion, he now seemed visibly burdened.
“My son stole the data book and ran off with it.” (Anfan)
Anfan had one daughter and one son. Both had inherited his extraordinary magical talent and were highly anticipated as future prodigies. However, his son had some personality issues and had left after a quarrel. Hearing this, Ozeas sighed in exasperation. Colin and the two women behind Anfan seemed somewhat comforted by this very human story.
“Heh, so it’s a Schwarzschild Household squabble. I’d be happy to help you bring your son back.” (Colin)
Colin offered with amusement, but Anfan himself declined.
“No, this is entirely my personal matter. I suspect my son, Yustin, is already in that labyrinth city. I’ll handle it myself quickly.” (Anfan)
The silver-haired, deep-blue-eyed Great Mage Anfan. His son, who resembled him so closely, was equally stunning in appearance. Yustin Ewig zu Schwarzschild. Meanwhile, as this discussion unfolded, Yustin was currently making waves deep inside the Azarigrad Labyrinth.
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