Chapter 783

“Right. The Eastern Relic. That’s what we’re after.”

The thief who stole the relic of the Great Mage—the absolute master of the East and mentor to all magicians—had slipped beyond the Blaster Sea and vanished into the Western territories.

His name was Yeonmok. But here, no one knew what name he was using, how his appearance might have changed, or whether he was even still alive.

“That’s why we came to Hawan. The others went to Luswena.”

“In that case, heading to Bariel is definitely the right move.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because Bariel is the heart of Gaia. All the magicians from across the continent gather there. We’re sure to find clues about the relic. No, I guarantee it—if you come with us.”

“Ha ha ha!”

Eunrang couldn’t hold back a laugh, bursting out in a fit of giggles. The look on his face clearly said, “Can you believe these brats?”

Kaetano blushed, caught off guard, but kept watching them confidently. If he backed down now, it would be over. To get Bariel’s help, they had to lure these guys to the palace.

“Huh, did you hear that? The more they talk, the more ridiculous it gets.”

Unlike Eunrang’s mocking tone, Hohn said nothing. He waited until Eunrang’s laughter died down before answering.

“We refuse.”

“W-why?”

“It’s a secret that we crossed into the West to retrieve the relic. Our goal is to investigate quietly, recover it, and return. But if we enter through the palace gates, rumors will spread immediately.”

Their master was currently undergoing wall meditation. The best course was to return the relic to its place in the East and resume normal life as if nothing had happened. If their master found out about this chaos…

“He wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

Eunrang pressed his temples as if the thought gave him a headache. No matter how much they tried to coax them, Dongji wouldn’t budge. Leaving any trace would surely alert their master someday.

“Given our situation, we must decline.”

“Then—!”

Kaetano stammered before urgently asking, “Could you provide us with more firearms?”

“Firearms?”

“Yes. Though things are chaotic now, Hawan was originally the empire’s gateway for new technology. All kinds of news and goods flow through here. If the Eastern magicians lend us a bit more support, we’ll definitely find the relic. We already know some of you, after all.”

“Hmm.”

Eunrang snorted and rested his head on Hohn’s shoulder.

“You still haven’t paid for the last deal, yet you’re asking for more firearms? How should we take that? You’re really looking down on us.”

“No! That’s not it!”

The two whispered to each other, exchanging opinions like a pair of black foxes under the moonlight. Kaetano, lost in thought, suddenly flinched when he caught the sharp gleam in Eunrang’s eyes.

“Hohn. Should we just kill them?”

“Is that really necessary?”

“They’ve been so arrogant since earlier.”

“Hmm.”

Though Kaetano couldn’t hear their exact words, it was clear they weren’t friendly. Just as he took a step back to signal his men, Eunrang said, “Let’s wait and see.”

“Why?”

“Someone else is coming.”

Hohn nodded toward Eunrang.

Tap tap tap!

A figure was running swiftly from a distance, trying to conceal their presence. Eunrang finally glanced back, raising an eyebrow.

“…!”

Chaeng! Chang!

Kaetano and his men instinctively drew their weapons, thinking it was an enemy attack.

But the footsteps were too few for an ambush. They lit a torch to see who it was. The robe looked familiar.

“Kaetano, that woman…”

“She’s the merchant’s daughter.”

Melania’s heart raced the moment she recognized the Eastern magicians. She’d hoped it was them from afar—and it really was! She shrugged off her cumbersome robe as if it were nothing and bowed deeply.

“I am Melania!”

Her voice was clear and resolute.

“You crazy woman, where do you think you’re following us?”

“Ka-Kaetano.”

“The commotion is too loud. Let’s settle this.”

Kaetano’s men approached Melania with drawn swords. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst. The Eastern magicians showed brief interest, but that was it. Their expressions quickly turned indifferent, as if it didn’t matter whether she lived or died. They only seemed curious why she had come all this way.

Melania steadied herself.

“The one who gives what’s wanted ultimately gets what they desire. No need for extra words.”

Her hands trembled as she spoke.

“I know you’re searching for the Eastern Relic.”

“Shut up! Whatever your intentions—”

“Is it the triangular box? The one with three orbs inside, along with white paper?”

“You’ve come to the wrong place!”

Swish!

Just as one of Kaetano’s men swung his sword, Eunrang and Hohn’s eyes widened.

At the same moment, Melania froze, staring at something gleaming before her. A blade? Reflected in the moonlight?

Ziiing!

Bang!

“Eek!”

“W-wait! This is—!”

In an instant, the man’s head exploded. His body lost balance and toppled sideways. Bits of flesh scattered everywhere.

Eunrang nodded at Melania, silently urging her to continue.

“W-what are you doing?!”

“Quiet. Use your head.”

Kaetano protested, but Eunrang’s sharp rebuke silenced him.

Melania brushed the flesh off her cheek and hand, regaining her composure.

“They’re cruel. Different from the Bariel magicians I’ve seen.”

So, she would bow low and approach carefully.

“What’s wrong? Did I accidentally cut your tongue off?”

‘Impatient, too—’

“Or maybe you want firearms as well?”

‘They prioritize interests above all else.’

Eunrang stepped closer to the frozen Melania and bowed. Her long black hair slipped down smoothly. Despite being in the middle of a civil war, a soft, sweet scent filled the air.

Melania met his smile and snapped to full alert. Some people become more dangerous the more they smile—and this woman was one of them.

“Looking closely, your skin is smooth. Your hands are slender.”

He was politely saying she was born into privilege, despite the dust on her exterior. Melania cleared her throat and spoke carefully.

“My blood is mixed with Bariel and Luswena. Please forgive me for not revealing more.”

“Right. That’s not important. You’re definitely more interesting than those who try to trick us with nonsense. Did you see it?”

“No, I only heard about it.”

“From whom?”

“Ian Hielo.”

Ian Hielo?

Where had she heard that name before? Eunrang glanced at Kaetano, surprised. Wasn’t he the magician who created Idgal, Bariel’s Minister of Magic?

“I heard that when Minister Ian and his men fought the decisive battle in Luswena, they saw it. It belonged to a magician from another country, hidden in the Forest of Magic.”

So it was Yeonmok. Eunrang stepped even closer to Melania and bowed his head.

“Is he dead?”

That was the question burning in her mind. The audacious traitor who betrayed them. She wished he’d died quietly by the roadside, but if that happened, they’d never find the box.

Melania hesitated.

‘Should I tell the truth?’

He was sharp and sensitive, like a thorn. Every word felt like a choice that could change fate. After a moment that felt like an eternity, she nodded affirmatively.

“Ha ha ha ha!”

Fortunately, Eunrang was pleased. Though she regretted not tearing it apart with her own hands, she couldn’t hide her satisfaction knowing it was already dead.

“I understand Sir Ian Hielo and his men took care of it. The battle was fierce, and the losses were heavy,” she said.

“Hmm. That fellow is quite the curious one. You say I can find him in Bariel?”

“Yes. He definitely knows about the item you’re looking for.”

Melania actually knew that the item had already been used, but she chose not to mention it. No need to risk her life over that—she could get the details straight from Sir Ian himself.

Eunrang gave a subtle nod to Hohun.

“This is going smoothly.”

“Thankfully.”

“Good. So if I follow you, I’ll be able to meet Ian Hielo?”

“That’s right.”

A look of relief washed over Melania’s face. With this, she would be the first to lead an Eastern mage into Bariel. The opportunity was now within reach, and the future she desired became a little clearer.

“Wait!”

At that moment, Caetano barged in, waving his arms. What was going on here, with this woman suddenly interrupting?

“You’re going to follow her? You don’t even know her identity or anything. How can you make that choice?”

“She may not have a title or status, but she has information. We’re not here to establish diplomatic ties with Bariel—we want to find the whereabouts of the item.”

“Think about it! Ian Hielo is the Minister of the Magic Department. You can meet him if you come with us. If our destination is the same, why choose an unknown path?”

Eunrang tapped her fingers against her crossed arms, pondering briefly. Melania quickly countered, just as desperate as Caetano, mixing a little falsehood into the truth.

“Formal diplomatic relations mean dealing with Bariel’s administration or foreign ministry—all close to the Emperor. But the Magic Department is different. They have their own way of selecting ministers and handle Bariel’s critical affairs. The Emperor keeps them in check as a counterbalance.”

“So you’re saying those others are opposed to the Magic Department?”

“Yes. If you want to meet the Magic Department—specifically Minister Ian Hielo—you have to come with me. That’s the truth.”

“True enough. Power struggles are the same everywhere, East or West. Hohun, what do you think?”

Hohun, clearly annoyed, didn’t answer. Instead, he just stared at Melania.

Noticing the silence, Caetano made his decision.

Swish!

If they couldn’t be persuaded, there was no choice but to remove the option. Caetano’s sword moved swiftly and decisively—a lightning-fast strike. The kind of move you’d expect from someone who’d survived brutal civil wars leading a revolutionary army.

But—

Ziiing!

A tearing sound echoed.

Melania slowly opened her tightly shut eyes and looked up at Caetano standing tall before her. She couldn’t quite grasp what had just happened.

Ssslick!

A cleanly severed neck. Along the cut, blue threads shimmered faintly like lingering traces. They connected to Hohun’s fingertips—it was magic.

One by one, he began to take out Caetano’s men.

Swish, swish!

The magic stretched out like a whip, weaving through the crowd and quickly wrapping around their necks. Chop, chop—each head fell as easily as a ripe fruit.

“Now, now. There’s no need for that—”

Eunrang extended a hand to Melania, as if urging her to get up. From her palm to the inside of her arm, unfamiliar symbols were densely inscribed.

“Get up. Don’t worry about them.”