(EP-180.2) Sand #5
180 – Wind and Sand #5
“Elga-nim, how are you?”
I left Aira’s room and headed to Elga’s, which was the adjacent room.
Although there were many tasks at hand, forgetting to care would just lead to the fishes you’d already caught slipping out of the net.
Neglect was, after all, a slow disease.
“Oh, you came?”
Elga was lazily lying on the bed wearing casual dolphin pants, her long legs stretching out beneath.
“Perfect timing. Give me a back massage.”
“…….”
… She requested a massage so naturally. However, there was a small Angmar inside Elga’s belly. Thus, maintaining good health was crucial.
Moreover, until Elga gave birth to a Quarter-Nymph and the rice had been served, I should treat her like a princess.
Seukseuk, seukseuk.
Thus, I pressed firmly on her back as she made a strange sound, “Eeuhh.” Soon, Elga melted into the blanket.
“Yes, that’s good~. So, what’s been going on lately? The whole city is in a buzz. Did the Tureuki Empress come?”
“That is correct.”
I also explained that I’d been practicing magic with Kasim lately. To which Elga responded with a long nasal sound, “Hmm.”
“It’s good to spar with someone of similar skill. Kasim may be a bit cheeky and annoying, but as a Mage, his skills are top-notch. Is he a worthy opponent?”
“Hard to say. Without unique magic, chances are 50/50. All in all, it’s not easy.”
My magic was wind, and Kasim’s was sand transformed from earth. Although I had the advantage in terms of elemental compatibility, Kasim was still a Rank 5 Mage.
Rank 5 Mages each possessed distinctive unique magic. Kasim’s unique magic, Spirit Contract Jin—was versatile, making it challenging to deal with.
Elga said as if she understood.
“The difference between a Rank 4 and a Rank 5 Mage is as vast as the Heavens and Earth. And still, you’re able to go in a coin flip against Kasim without unique magic. You’re doing pretty well.”
Although Elga seemed surprised that I could keep up with the Rank 5 Kasim, despite being a rank lower, I wasn’t entirely satisfied.
Was I not Solomon’s descendant, the Demon King’s?
Moreover, I had several high-ranking spells that most Mages couldn’t even dream of. Yet, I couldn’t defeat a single Kasim. If I failed to do that much, what about the Rank 7 Aira…
Impatience welled up within me.
Elga’s belly would start bulging soon, and my gradually-turning red hair might soon get exposed. I was undoubtedly living on borrowed time.
Then, Elga subtly asked.
“But why did you choose the name ‘Asura Gale’ for that magic?”
“I heard that you should name your magic something imposing and powerful. Since spells are in the realm of self-suggestion, it should strongly resonate with you.”
“So, why Asura Gale?”
“Is it not good? Well, besides Asura Gale there’s also Heavenly Whirlwind Storm and Angel Halo Gale!”
“…You know what, I’ll be in charge of our child’s name.”
‘Why?’
After some more casual conversation with Elga, I exited the room. Then before leaving, I knocked on Mirna and Narmi’s door just in case, but there was no response.
“Is anyone home?”
….
Looks like they were not around.
The Draco Twins were busy these days. Since revealing that they were indeed twins, there was a lot of documents to sign and explanations to make.
I also didn’t know where Stella Bellhawk went. The revival of the Angmar Family was no easy task.
However, I could only do my best from my current position. My steps had always held a set purpose and path.
What was urgent right now was the upcoming trial by combat, which remained to be just a few days away.
To be precise, it was in three days.
72 hours would definitely not be much.
It was about time to establish the list of participants in the duel representing as champions.
So, before going to the main building, I headed first to the pitch-black underground dungeon. The reason for coming here was, of course, to meet the prisoner.
“Back again? You don’t seem to get tired of coming here every day.”
The man with bandages, the Villain Hunter, sitting in the same position in the corner every day, looked at me with his black eyes. He seemed to find it fascinating that I visited him daily.
“… Aren’t you afraid?”
“I am, but you’re in jail. So, have you thought about what I told you?”
“What, that I should give up and abstain from the trial?”
“Yes. Then I will give you the answer you want.”
Seuk.
The man rose from his seat.
Being two heads taller than me, his head was touching the low ceiling, forcing him into a hunched position. It felt like encountering a creepy scarecrow by the roadside in the middle of the night.
He said, clinging to the iron bars.
“Very well.”
“Truly? Are you accepting the offer?”
“But, I have a condition. I’m not so idle as to blindly believe one’s tongue.”
“And that is?”
“Hit me once. Then I will admit defeat and forfeit.”
“Are you telling me to become the Queen’s champion?”
“…….”
Instead of responding, he simply took a step back and sank into the darkness.
Then he closed his eyes. After observing him the past few days, I knew that he wouldn’t respond regardless of what I say.
… Was he really putting me as the champion?
In truth, I also thought that stepping forward to fight him would be the best course of action. So, I had been leading him towards agreeing to forfeit.
Of course, my intention to face him was purely personal, aimed at improving my magic skills through the duel.
All it took was just one hit.
After a satisfactory conversation, I left the prison. Though, it didn’t take long before I noticed that someone was waiting for me outside.
Said person was entirely covered in black cloth like a street thief, but I could tell that they were most likely a woman. Perhaps an assassin.
“Are you Theo Gospel? Our Empress would like to have a word with you.”
***(T/N: spell names subject to change)
Edited by: faker
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