Chapter 880
Ian sat quietly, watching the Ministry of Magic in action.
This must be what they mean by “order within chaos.” The wizards bustled about busily, yet never once collided with each other. The office was cluttered, but whenever he needed something, it was easy to find.
Romandro sat beside Ian, explaining the wizards’ duties and subtly hinting about the staff.
“There’s an invisible dome-shaped protective barrier constantly active above the palace. Maintaining it is one of the Ministry’s main responsibilities.”
“You mean it’s just hanging there in midair?”
“Exactly.”
“That sounds like it wouldn’t be in any real danger.”
“In over a thousand years of Bariel’s history, the barrier has only been broken three times. The most recent was about a hundred years ago, caused by a wizard from the East.”
“A wizard from the East?”
Wow. A mysterious figure from an unknown land. Ian parted his lips slightly, unable to guess what that might mean. Romandro chuckled and reassured him.
“There were many complications back then, but ultimately, they were friendly. Still, the Ministry recognized the severity of the situation and set a goal to advance Gaia magic to a new level. And they succeeded brilliantly. Now, even if a blind wizard tries to slam their magic into thin air, it won’t faze the barrier!”
Why on earth would a blind wizard slam their magic into thin air? Ian smiled in confusion, listening intently. The more he heard, the more he realized the past was full of fascinating stories.
“And now, Ian, you’ll be part of that glorious progress.”
“So, it’s the wizard’s duty to ensure the empire’s safety and prosperity.”
“Exactly. That’s right. While many wizards in Gaia aren’t affiliated with the empire, the nations maintain close alliances through treaties. Are you familiar with the basic diplomatic relations?”
Ian answered clearly, as if he’d been preparing for this moment.
“Yes. The western Burgos dynasty descends from Bariel nobility, and the southern Cliford has deep ties through marriage with the Bariel royal family.”
“Oh dear, whose child are you—”
Oops. Romandro caught himself just in time, realizing Ian was from the Hadel family. He quickly straightened his expression, ready to praise Ian but now holding back. Just then, someone passed by and placed a piece of chocolate on the table.
“Eat while you wait.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“Romandro, just a little, okay?”
“What? That’s unfair!”
Whoosh! The person disappeared like the wind, not even showing their face properly.
Ian stared at the lone piece of chocolate. Romandro nodded, signaling it was fine to eat.
“That person just now is from the Mana Stone Management Department. Remember the potion I used on that thief in Onlyhole Village?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“That department leads the production of those potions. They’re known for being a bit eccentric, but I guess researchers in any field tend to be like that.”
Just as Romandro was about to unwrap the chocolate, another wizard hurried over and placed more items on the table.
“Huh?”
Cookies, candies, more chocolate, and bread… The wizards casually dropped their emergency snacks onto the table as they passed by.
The pile of welcome gifts grew steadily. Romandro called out to the wizards, bewildered.
“Hey! When I asked for a candy last time, you all ignored me!”
“Me? When was that?”
“This! This is the 20th-anniversary limited edition Arong Satay flavor from Fantacandy! You said you couldn’t get it before?”
“Well, I got it since then.”
“That’s just too much!”
But Romandro’s complaints faded into thin air. The wizards were too busy moving around to hear him. Whether they were just busy or shy, who could say?
While Romandro grumbled and snorted, Ian nibbled on a piece of chocolate.
“Ian Hadel?”
A little later, the Minister of Magic, Arena, finished her work and came out into the lobby with her assistant. She saw Ian, Romandro, and the mountain of snacks piled before them, tilting her head in curiosity.
“…You must have a sweet tooth?”
Did Ian only bring snacks up from Hadel? When told the wizards had given them, Arena looked surprised. Ian pushed aside the empty chocolate wrapper and stood.
“Hello. I’m Ian Hadel.”
“Arena, Minister of Magic.”
Arena crouched down and extended her hand. Ian shook it. Goodness, such small hands. Arena looked him over from head to toe, then gestured for him to come inside.
“I’ve heard a bit about you. Shall we skip the formalities and get straight to the evaluation?”
To see if he truly had the talent for magic, and if he was qualified to join the Ministry.
Ian nodded resolutely, as if he’d been waiting for this moment.
“Yes, Minister.”
“Hmm.”
Arena stared at Ian’s round cheeks for a long moment, then turned around. She wanted to pull him close, but couldn’t—he wasn’t officially a Ministry member yet, just a noble’s child.
‘Is there anything to report against him?’
No, of course not.
Clearing her throat, Arena glanced back at Ian, who followed her with a determined expression, as if heading into battle. She muttered quietly.
‘He’s kind of cute.’
Boom.
An open space behind the Ministry building.
Ian glanced around at the wizards watching him with interest. One by one, they gathered and took their seats. Keeping a certain distance made it clear he was expected to do something…
Snap.
Arena snapped her fingers right in front of Ian’s eyes, smiling to snap him out of it.
“Don’t start trembling over nothing.”
She raised her hands lightly, and the Ministry’s main building and annex shimmered briefly in the background.
“This is the Imperial Ministry of Magic. While all other department heads are appointed by His Majesty the Emperor, the Ministry of Magic is an exception.”
It’s a place where meritocracy reigns supreme, so they elect their own minister.
Of course, the criteria vary, but the most important factor is magical power. It’s crucial that wizards accurately assess each other’s magical depth.
“If you’ve kindled the Light of Prophecy, it means your soul has opened. You should be able to unleash some power, right? Show us your strength—use all you’ve got.”
Arena stepped back a few paces, leaving Ian hesitating.
“We’re not expecting much, so don’t feel pressured.”
Even just properly wielding magic would earn applause. It was more of a ceremonial rite for new recruits in the Ministry.
The wizards munched on snacks, eyes fixed on Ian.
“Damn, he’s so tiny, I can barely see his face.”
“Nervous? He’s not moving at all.”
“Even a noble kid would find this situation unfamiliar.”
“He’s a magic user, right?”
“Romandro brought him here, so he must be.”
“Ian Hadel! Hurry up! Let’s get this over with and eat!”
Five years old. A magic user just beginning to find his path. No one expected much from Ian. Even a tiny spark would earn him a warm welcome as the Ministry’s youngest member.
But Ian hesitated, as if something was wrong.
“Ian Hadel?”
Arena raised an eyebrow and called him again. Had Romandro made a mistake? Was he not a magic user?
“Um, Minister of Magic.”
“Yes? Is there a problem?”
“May I really use my magic freely?”
“What do you mean?”
Ian explained, sensing their confusion.
“I’m worried—what if someone gets hurt, or the building is damaged? Is it really okay to use my power without any safety measures?”
“What? Hahaha!”
Arena doubled over with laughter, clutching her sides. Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Was that really something to laugh at? This was the heart of the Imperial Palace. Every building, every tree and stone around them was a living witness to history. What if he accidentally damaged any of it?
The wizards nearby murmured among themselves.
“What’s that kid saying?”
“Wow, lucky. If I were five, I’d just get teased a bit. But he’s so earnest, it makes me want to understand him.”
“Right? You were like that too, weren’t you? ‘What if the building flies away?’ That nonsense. Didn’t your little flame just fizzle out?”
“Senior, how do you remember all that? You usually forget everything.”
“Must be because he’s a noble—so much self-awareness.”
“He’s just a kid. It’s understandable.”
Some sympathized, some mocked, others just laughed.
Ian noticed the sudden noise and realized he’d made a mistake. Far off, Romandro gave a wry smile, as if wishing Ian had explained more clearly.
“Ian Hadel, worrying about that is like worrying about getting struck by a money lightning bolt.”
Meaning, it’s so unlikely it’s not worth fretting over.
Ian’s earlobes flushed faintly. He had been worried because the light he’d seen at the Hadel estate was so dazzling and extravagant, but apparently, in the world of wizards, it was nothing special.
“It’s okay.”
He told himself it was just because they didn’t understand. Trying to brush off his own mistake, Ian nodded and carefully clasped his hands together, gathering the magical energy flowing within him.
Zzzzzing! Zzzzzing!
In an instant, the child’s pale blue eyes shifted to a golden hue. His fine, soft hair fluttered as a gust of wind whipped around him. The grass swayed wildly, rustling and trembling.
“…?”
Arena instinctively took a step back, frowning. It was normal for the air to shift when magic was released, but this felt different somehow.
‘It’s not just a flow… it feels heavier.’
The moment Arena realized this, a streak of lightning-like light shot out from Ian’s grasp.
Crackling!
“…!”
“…!”
The wizards dropped what they were holding, mouths agape. Even Romand, who already knew Ian’s true power, was startled and ducked behind a pillar. The golden shimmer was anything but ordinary.
“Th-That—”
“Captain!”
“Minister!”
The beam of light Ian had conjured grazed Arena’s cheek as if to cut it, then scattered in all directions.
Crackle! Snap!
Ian’s magic struck the protective barrier in the air with tremendous force.
Cracks spiderwebbed across the shield, threatening to shatter at any moment. Alarmed, the wizards reflexively unleashed their own magic to reinforce the barrier.
Zzzzzing!
“Wait, Minister!”
The situation was spiraling out of control, yet the golden light showed no sign of fading. Ian’s eyes were tightly shut, as if embarrassed to witness his own modest power.
“Minister! Ian Hadel—!”
“Stop! Ian Hadel! Stop!”
“This is madness!”
If they didn’t—
Kraaaack!
The shield, which had stood firm for over a hundred years, was breaking! And all because of a five-year-old child who had just entered the palace!
To prevent this unprecedented disaster, the wizards swarmed Ian, trying to suppress his magic.
Ian groaned softly as he felt their strength, and in response, he unleashed his power even more fiercely.
‘I have to prove that I matter.’
Only then could he rely on the Ministry of Magic to stand against Crony.
As Ian lost control, Arena pushed through the surging energy and slowly approached, grabbing his shoulder.
“Hold on!”
“Ah.”
Startled, Ian faltered, and the magic abruptly cut off.
For a moment, the air relaxed as if the whole chaos had been a mirage. Everyone gasped for breath, staring at Ian. The turmoil had vanished completely.
Ian looked around cautiously and asked, “Am I… okay?”
What he really meant was, “Am I suitable for the Ministry of Magic?” But the wizards interpreted it very differently—as if he was asking, “Can you handle my power?”
“Oh no, you’re definitely not okay, you little brat!”
Unable to hold back, Arena pinched Ian’s cheek hard.
‘…Little brat?’
Ian’s eyes widened in surprise at the unfamiliar situation, but then he broke into a bright smile. For the Minister of Magic to call him that meant one thing: he had officially become the youngest member of the Ministry.