Chapter 324

All the wizards summoned by Ian had gathered.

Dressed lightly, they kept their eyes fixed on the ground, so much so that from a distance, one might mistake them for researchers examining experimental results. Arms crossed, hands resting on hips, some repeatedly running their fingers through their hair while clicking their tongues.

“This is strange. According to the coordinates, it should be to the south, but we just can’t pinpoint the exact spot.”

“Maybe the last incantation was off?”

“Doesn’t look like it to me. Unless it’s something in the previous line.”

“Let’s try one more time. If it still doesn’t work, we’ll call Ian.”

The wizards turned their heads toward the garden entrance. Ian was deep in discussion with officials from another department, and the meeting was dragging on. Every time it seemed to wrap up, someone else from a different department would arrive. Maybe they’d manage to leave by the end of the day after all.

“The other departments always do this, even the day before a holiday.”

When news first broke that Ian was taking a vacation, the wizards had cheered and embraced each other. It was only two days, but still—what did it matter?

Their excitement for Ian’s brief absence was short-lived. Other departments came rushing in, burdened with urgent tasks. Without Ian, even two days could throw the palace into chaos.

“How much is this field assignment worth?”

“No idea. It just says ‘allowance undecided.’”

No one knew if it would take a few hours or more than a day. One wizard tossed his staff to Felic with a nod.

“Felic, you handle the rest. I’m about to drop dead.”

“Just for drawing a magic circle, huh?”

“But you don’t look well. What’s wrong?”

Felic turned away, telling them not to worry. At that moment, Ian approached, and their eyes met. Slowly, Ian placed his hand on his hip and examined the magic circle. Like a teacher grading homework, a strange silence settled between them.

Ian read the formulas with his eyes alone, seemingly calculating everything mentally.

“Well done.”

Tick-tock. Though it was just a brief moment, it felt like several minutes. The wizards exhaled in relief and began chattering excitedly.

“Thank goodness. But Ian, the location settings aren’t right. No matter what we do, we can’t get close to the southern border. It’s like there’s some magnetic field pushing us away whenever we try to pinpoint that spot.”

“How far off?”

“About five kilometers from the fourth checkpoint on the southern border.”

Ian rested his chin on his hand, pondering deeply. Then, before giving an answer, he subtly probed those around him—specifically Felic.

“Any guesses?”

If Felic had contacted Clipford during his break, he must have used a similar teleportation magic. Ian wanted to know if there had been any strange reactions then.

But Felic just gave a sheepish smile and scratched his head.

“I’m not sure.”

“Me neither. This is the first time I’ve seen anything like this. If we had time, I’d look through previous records for answers, but we don’t.”

Ian took a staff from a nearby wizard and carefully refined the magic circle. A smooth line traced, light flickering on and off along its path.

“Not long ago, there was a report of a magical anomaly near the southern border with Clipford. I think that might be the cause.”

“How severe was it?”

“About three times the usual level.”

“Definitely strange. That could definitely interfere with the magic circle.”

“Let’s adjust the location as close as possible and start activating it gradually. Felic.”

Ian clicked his watch and gestured to Felic. Beric and Barsabe would arrive soon. It was best to begin slowly building up the magic.

“Me? First?”

“Keep going until I say stop.”

The wizards exchanged glances and stepped back. Why was Ian acting this way? Even if Felic was in good shape, starting alone was inefficient.

Felic knew he couldn’t back down and opened his magic reserves.

Ziiing. Ziiing.

The palm of his hand touching the magic circle glowed brightly. The light spread slowly, like watercolor bleeding across a canvas, filling the area. Massive images spanning several meters in every direction.

Felic’s chest rose and fell steadily—signs of deep breathing.

“Hoo…”

Don’t show it. Don’t let them suspect.

Felic had promised himself this at the start, but before long, he staggered. He had barely any magic left. Traveling back and forth from the center to the border was no easy feat.

He glanced awkwardly at Ian, who was only watching his watch, like a child waiting for a diver to resurface.

Ziiing. Ziiing.

No command to stop came. Felic was clearly nearing his limit, but Ian remained calm, as if it wasn’t his concern. The watching wizards began whispering among themselves.

“Felic doesn’t look well.”

“Yeah, he should really eat better.”

“Ian, should I take over next?”

Someone volunteered, but Ian raised a hand to stop them—a clear sign to hold back. Felic finally collapsed, hands on the ground, gasping.

“Keep going, Felic.”

But Ian showed no mercy. The order to pour in all his magic remained. Eventually, blood trickled from Felic’s nose.

“Felic!”

“Ian, Felic’s condition—”

“Not normal.”

Ian stopped the stopwatch and muttered. Even discounting his poor health, this was an abnormal result. It meant Felic’s magic reserves were nearly depleted.

“Everyone, activate your magic simultaneously. Once Beric and Barsabe arrive, we’ll depart immediately.”

“Is Felic coming? In this state?”

“He’s at his limit. Not sure if he’ll be able to work once we get there.”

“Felic, what on earth did you do? Forget about being sick, if you’re bleeding from the head, you must be almost out of magic.”

His comrades asked with concern, but Ian looked almost pleased. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“Prepare yourselves.”

A firm decision to bring Felic along. The traitor’s body was now incapable of using magic—how satisfying.

In the distance, Beric and Barsabe appeared alongside Romandro. Beric waved energetically, carrying a backpack as big as himself.

“Iaaaan!”

“What’s that behind him?”

“Lunchbox. I asked for extra, just in case. The border area’s a barren wasteland.”

“That’s overkill.” Ian frowned but smiled. Romandro leaned in and whispered, keeping a wary eye on Felic, who was half-collapsed.

“Ian, we’re ready. Once we take Felic, we’ll head out.”

“Make sure everything’s secure.”

“Don’t worry. I’m going to shake every coin out from under the bed if I have to. You handle this side carefully.”

One reason for moving Felic away from the center was the search operation. They hoped to find clues about the one connecting him to Melania, or what he might be hiding, or even issues involving Clipford.

“Alright, let’s get moving.”

“Understood. Felic, step back.”

“I’ll take the left side. You cover the right.”

“Ian, we’re starting.”

Ziiing. Ziiing.

Swoosh!

The magic circle, barely responsive due to the weak magic, suddenly flared as the wizards and Ian joined in. The sky seemed to split open, sharp and elegant curves cutting through the air like a sword’s edge—the framework of the portal.

“Wow, it’s been a while.”

Beric shaded his eyes and looked up. Smaller than during the civil war, but still just as fascinating.

“The black moon isn’t a pleasant memory for the empire’s people. Hurry up.”

Flash!

When the black moon rose, the palace had been sealed off like never before. Ian’s urging deepened the darkness. The moon was full.

“I’m off, Romandro!”

“Ian, take care, don’t cause trouble, don’t get hurt, okay? Listen well, please! No fooling around!”

“Ha! What are you saying? Like I’m a kid?”

“You’re no better than one, so no talking back!”

Beric ignored Romandro’s warnings and clung to the wizards, who groaned as they shoved their bags aside.

“Why’d you bring such a heavy load?”

“Hey, apologize to the lunchbox! Right now!”

Ian led the way as the wizards leapt forward, slowly ascending. Romandro watched in awe, mouth agape. In the sunlight, it was like seeing a benevolent deity.

Romandro’s persistent well-wishes followed them until they vanished into the portal.

“Yeah, I was curious! The elves said it felt really strange riding this thing.”

In the darkness where directions were impossible to discern, Beric bounced and rolled around in wonder. A faint light glimmered far ahead. The group moved like travelers following the North Star, using it as their only guide.

“Ugh…”

“Felic, you okay?”

“Yeah. Just need a little support.”

Felic, stumbling along, asked a companion for help. Except for that earlier moment, Ian hadn’t once checked on him. The wizard whispered to Felic with a puzzled expression.

“Did you do something wrong to Ian?”

“What?”

“Otherwise, he wouldn’t act like that. Be honest. Did you mess up? If there’s anything I can do, I will.”

Felix froze, his face a mix of disbelief and hesitation. Objectively speaking, wasn’t Ian’s approach a bit too harsh? He’d given reckless orders that led to his men bleeding, pushing through the schedule without any regard for their physical condition.

And yet, here he was, asking what he had done wrong. Felix wiped his nose repeatedly, frowning deeply.

‘This isn’t what I wanted at all.’

To be honest, he had only followed the orders to evoke sympathy from his comrades and create tension within the investigation team. No matter how much a superior commanded, magic was an intensely personal power. He could have stopped anytime he wanted.

“Felix?”

One of his comrades glanced at his pale face and asked again.

Given the situation, there was no choice. Pulling himself together, Felix muttered with a heavy sigh, full of pity.

“Then… I guess I’ll have to ask you for that…”

“Iaaan! Hey, I can see it clearly!”

Thanks to Beric’s loud shout cutting through the already quiet voices, the message was passed discreetly. Barsabe tightened his grip on his sword, narrowing his eyes.

“Could that be the Cliffford delegation?”

Judging by their position, the portal’s entrance must be open in the sky. The vast plains, thick weeds, and the rough, barren paths stretched out before them. Most notably, the Cliffford carriages they had seen several times before.

“Looks like we’ve got a good vantage point.”

“Yeah, it seems Cliffford is almost at the border. We’re lucky.”

The mages exchanged smiles, patting each other on the shoulder.

But something felt off.

“…The carriages are speeding up?”

“Huh? Uh, yeah?”

The large carriages that had been rattling along suddenly picked up speed, breaking into a full sprint. The mages, puzzled, stopped in their tracks as Ian brushed past them.

“Hurry up.”

“Excuse me?”

“They’ve noticed the portal on their side too—”

Tap tap tap!

“They’re rushing to cross the border.”

They started running after Ian. Throwing their bodies forward with all their might, a fierce wind met them. Their companions stumbled as if they were about to be blown away.

Mei from Cliffford confirmed it through her telescope and shouted.

“Ahhh! It’s true! It’s true! Your Highness, it’s magic! Mages are coming out of the black circle! This is insane. Why on earth are they coming out there? Ugh! Let’s just go home, damn it!”

“Hurry!”

Noah added his command to Mei’s scream, and the coachmen cracked their whips in rapid succession.

Tap tap tap!

Wheeeeee!

“Increase the carriage speed! We have to reach the border in one go!”