The Return of The Mythical Archmage [EN]: Chapter 271

The third and fifth Trial Pages each replicated a world set half a year after the end of the war.

However, this sixth Trial Page is different.

It’s a world that embodies the world seven years before the war ended.

If you think about it as a world that was created seven years ago, then this whole situation makes sense.

Like Mimir’s attire and old-fashioned way of speaking we encountered earlier.

Looking back now, she seemed somewhat young.

And another thing.

The reason why Gearan, who was clearly dead, is alive and well also makes sense if it’s a world that’s a direct copy of seven years ago.

But as much as it makes sense, there are quite a few things that don’t.

‘Well, putting aside the question of why the three Trial Pages merged for now. Why would they put black mages in the Trial Page?’

The biggest question.

This place. The sixth Trial Page is a place prepared to test me.

Why would they put black mages in such a place? And not just ordinary black mages, but 9-circle level black mages as well.

If the opponent was a 7-circle black mage, I could think that they were put there to test my skills.

But since the opponent is a 9-circle, that possibility is unlikely.

Logically, they are not opponents I can win against.

‘……I don’t know.’

Elena shook her head as if she didn’t know either.

‘……’

Aslan’s expression wasn’t much different from Elena’s.

He just remained silent, his eyes sharply gleaming with an expression of not knowing what was going on.

‘The hint… would it be Mimir’s words? Go to Greenwood Forest and get recognized by Elena Greenwood, right?’

Elena asked, looking directly into my eyes.

‘Didn’t she say anything else? Given her personality, she wouldn’t have just told you to go to Greenwood Forest out of the blue.’

‘She just said that out of the blue.’

‘Mimir? There’s no way she would act so disorganized……’

‘Elena. The Mimir in this world is not the Mimir we know, but the Mimir from seven years ago.’

‘Ah…… Seven years ago, she hadn’t started her path as a scholar yet, right? She was still very much a spoiled child. Then that’s possible.’

Elena nodded a couple of times as if she understood.

‘Then we’re in real trouble. Originally, there would have been some additional instructions here……’

‘Whether it’s a variable or something, everything was nullified when the three Trial Pages merged.’

Aslan shrugged and chuckled.

‘Hmm. The more I think about it, the more hopeless the situation seems.’

‘……Indeed. Even if we wanted to ask Mimir something, we don’t even know where the important Imperial Palace has disappeared to.’

Without a clear objective, it’s impossible to pass.

And if it’s impossible to pass, it’s impossible to escape from here.

In the worst case, we might have to live here forever.

The three of us fell silent at the same time.

Everyone seems to have a complicated mind.

‘Let’s start by gathering information. Where and how much of this world has been implemented. If we figure that out, we might be able to read Ray’s intentions to some extent.’

‘That’s not a bad approach. There might be other vassals besides you and me. It’s worth investigating.’

The two looked at each other and nodded slightly.

It was the moment when the immediate course of action was decided.

* * *

After that, we explored all directions, centered around the Greenwood Forest.

Actually, when I say ‘we’.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Aslan was in charge of all the information gathering.

Is it because he’s a space magic user? He explored the surroundings at a speed that couldn’t be compared to us running around on foot.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Aslan did more than 90% of the investigation.

‘I went to the northeast end as instructed. After going about 2034km, I couldn’t go any further. It seems that the sea wasn’t implemented either.’

Aslan, who had just finished exploring the east, reported to Elena.

‘2000km to the northeast as well. Then……’

Elena marked the map based on that report.

‘It’s roughly like this.’

A huge circle was drawn on the world map.

When we connected the places where Aslan couldn’t go any further, it formed exactly this shape.

‘I see the answer now.’

Elena pointed to one spot on the map with her index finger.

‘The center of the implemented world. The Bellahaim Cliff Outpost. There’s a very high probability that something is there.’

‘I think so too.’

Aslan crossed his arms and agreed with Elena’s words.

‘Okay. Then let’s decide that the next destination is the Bellahaim Cliff Outpost…… Aslan. Did you see any people while scouting around?’

‘Not at all. I couldn’t find any other vassals, not even a single black mage or a single villager.’

‘You said the village was empty, right?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then it means that this world isn’t a copy of the world at that time as it was.’

If it was a copy of the world at that time, it wouldn’t make sense for there to be no villagers.

This world is definitely a virtual world formed under the control of Ray Bell Bytenner.

Which means.

‘Right. Conversely, it means that Gearan. Putting him in this world was the Lord’s intention.’

‘……That’s right.’

The fact that there are no villagers or other vassals means that Ray Bell Bytenner selectively chose which living beings to implement.

In other words, Gearan is an existence that Ray Bell Bytenner intentionally put in.

‘What on earth is Ray thinking with Gearan…… From putting Mimir from seven years ago as an examiner, to recreating Gearan…… I can’t read Ray’s thoughts at all.’

‘How can we, mere mortals, grasp all of our Lord’s vast and profound thoughts? There must be a grand purpose that we can’t even imagine.’

‘Grand…… I don’t know about that. But there must be a reason.’

Elena shook her head slightly with an expression that she couldn’t understand at all.

‘Let’s move to Bellahaim Cliff. Aslan. Please make a portal.’

‘Hmm. I’d love to, but unfortunately, that’s impossible.’

Elena frowned slightly.

‘Why? Is it perhaps because of your mental strength…? It’s true that you must have consumed a considerable amount of mental strength, having traveled a total of 14,485km, but…… Your mental strength isn’t just that much, is it?’

‘Of course not. It’s true that I’ve rusted a bit after the end of the war, but I haven’t deteriorated to the point where I’d be exhausted by this much.’

‘Then why can’t you move?’

‘It’s a simple reason.’

Aslan shrugged.

‘The portal doesn’t connect to the Bellahaim Cliff Outpost.’

‘……It doesn’t connect?’

‘Yes. It seems like something is completely blocking the connection of the portal.’

‘It’s not that it hasn’t been implemented, right?’

‘That’s not it. During the exploration, I saw with my own eyes that the Bellahaim Cliff was implemented.’

‘You’ve already confirmed it with your own eyes. Okay. Then let’s connect the portal to somewhere near there and move, then walk the rest of the way……’

‘Do you think I wouldn’t have checked that much?’

‘……It’s impossible to walk in as well?’

‘Yes. There’s an invisible barrier blocking the area near Bellahaim Cliff. It’s impossible to get any closer.’

‘Why didn’t you say that earlier?’

‘I was going to.’

‘……You’re really slow to say things.’

Elena glared at Aslan.

‘Whatever the case, it’s become clear that there’s something at Bellahaim Cliff.’

‘I agree.’

‘Then whatever it is, we need to go near there. Aslan. Please open a portal to the area near the transparent barrier you mentioned.’

Aslan nodded.

Then he immediately drew a horizontal line in the air, opening a rift.

The rift slowly transforming into the shape of a portal.

Since it was said to be the central point, the distance shouldn’t be too far.

It should be completed in about 30 seconds.

‘It’s a bit late to ask now…… but you agree, right?’

Elena approached me slightly and asked.

‘Huh?’

‘About moving to the Bellahaim Cliff Outpost.’

‘Ah, yes. Of course. I think the same as you two.’

The reason I had been quiet was because there wasn’t really any room for me to object.

The two of them were handling things smoothly, so what would be the point of me saying anything more?

‘Okay.’

Elena smiled brightly.

Then she lowered her gaze slightly and looked at my chest.

The nine-tailed fox, nestled in my arms, was yawning with a look of pure bliss.

Elena was amazed by the nine-tailed fox, her eyes shining with admiration.

‘It’s really…… amazing no matter how many times I see it.’

‘It seems like she really didn’t follow people. If even Elena is this surprised.’

‘That’s surprising enough, but……’

Elena took her eyes off the nine-tailed fox and made eye contact with me again.

‘Your growth is even more surprising. Just a while ago, you were just starting to awaken your divine eyes…… and now you’re already handling mythic magic.’

Elena slowly brought her hand to my head and gently stroked it.

‘I’m so proud of you. Really…… As a teacher who once taught you, I’m so proud.’

‘……Th, thank you.’

My face flushed for no reason at Elena’s rare praise.

‘It’s ready.’

At that moment, Aslan, who had finished all the preparations, gestured to us.

His expression seemed to say, ‘If you have time to say weird things, just come here.’

‘He really has no sense of timing at all. Don’t you think so?’

‘……W, well. I’ll pass on commenting.’

No matter what answer I give, it won’t benefit me. It’s best to keep my mouth shut right now.

I quietly avoided Elena’s gaze and moved towards the portal that Aslan had created.

‘……You’re still the same, aren’t you?’

Elena smiled slightly as she looked at me.

* * *

We arrived near the Bellahaim Cliff Outpost in an instant through the portal.

‘……Wow.’

A cliff sharpened by natural weathering.

A castle stood tall on top of it.

The castle was so magnificent that I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration just by looking at it.

‘I expected a small fortress, since it’s called an outpost……’

I never thought it would be this big.

‘It’s magnificent, isn’t it? It’s the iron fortress that has protected the front lines of our Bytenner Empire for 13 years.’

‘It’s really…… amazing.’

If something like that was standing in this rugged terrain, there would be no way to break through it with ordinary methods.

It truly deserves to be called an iron fortress.

‘The inside is even more amazing. You’ll be very surprised when you see it. You must see it later.’

Elena slowly reached out her hand into the air.

Then she smiled bitterly.

‘Of course, that’s after we find a way to get in.’

Elena’s hand was blocked by an invisible wall, unable to go any further.

It was as Aslan had said.

It was impossible to enter Bellahaim Cliff.

‘Really…… It’s like one mountain after another……’

‘……Hmm.’

Aslan and Elena simultaneously raised their heads and looked up at the castle located high on the cliff.

All sorts of emotions were pouring out of their eyes.

‘It’s a strange feeling. To see that castle again.’

‘……’

Regret, longing, despair, anger, and so on.

What happened at that castle?

‘Did something happen at that castle?’

‘……Yes.’

‘It did.’

The two answered at the same time.

‘In the past, there was a major battle at the Bellahaim Outpost. It was a battle that became a major turning point in the war.’

‘A turning point?’

‘Yes.’

Aslan’s eyes gleamed fiercely.

‘The turning point where the war began to reach its final stage. That was the battle that took place at the Bellahaim Outpost. The Bellahaim Scorched Earth.’

‘Scorched Earth……’

So that’s why they were looking at the castle with those eyes.

‘It was a painful defeat. If we had succeeded in defending the Bellahaim Outpost, the sacrifices would have been cut in half.’

‘If only I could have gone to the front lines……’

‘They knew that, so they targeted you first.’

Elena lowered her head with a gloomy expression.

‘And even if you were there, it would have been difficult to turn the situation around.’

Aslan frowned.

‘Because the one who attacked Bellahaim Castle at that time was none other than Veil Stoll.’

Veil Stoll.

The origin of black magic.

Indeed. I was wondering how such a fortress could be breached.

It was Veil Stoll who stepped in.

‘Still, if I had been there……’

‘The sacrifices would have definitely been reduced. At least 20% more would have survived.’

‘……That’s right.’

Elena’s expression became even more gloomy.

‘Your expression is unbearable to look at.’

Aslan sighed softly as he looked at Elena.

‘Let’s stop talking about the past. Ruminating on regrets won’t help anything.’

Then he placed his hand on the invisible wall of the cliff and frowned.

‘What’s important now is not to dwell on past regrets, but to figure out how to solve this situation.’

‘……That’s right.’

Elena’s eyes regained their strength.

‘Then what should we do? Should we split up and check if there are any openings?’

‘That would be the logical thing to do.’

The two exchanged opinions.

I glanced at the two of them, then stared intently at the transparent wall that Aslan was touching.

‘……Huh?’

At that moment, a strange sensation struck my head.

This sensation. What is it?

‘Then I’ll check the airspace……’

‘Wait. Just a moment.’

I interrupted Aslan and said. The two’s gazes immediately focused on me.

‘Can I check something for a moment?’

This strange sensation.

I need to confirm what this sensation is.

‘This barrier? Feel free to check it.’

I slowly brought my hand to it.

The closer I got, the more the strange sensation amplified. What on earth is this sensation?

A strange sensation that felt familiar yet unfamiliar.

To clearly grasp the identity of that sensation, I placed my hand on the transparent wall.

‘……Huh?’

No.

I was about to place it.

‘……What?’

‘……You passed through?’

The wall that had blocked the two of them didn’t block my hand.

My hand passed through the transparent wall without any resistance.

As if it wasn’t rejecting me.

Rather, it was welcoming me as if telling me to come in.

‘This, I think……’

It seems that only I, the examinee of the sixth Trial Page, can enter this place.

I turned my head to tell them my thoughts, and looked at the two of them.

‘……They’re gone?’

But there was no one there.

They had completely disappeared, as if no one had been there from the beginning.

The nine-tailed fox, who had been in my arms, was also gone.

When I noticed, she had disappeared from my arms.

‘What is this……’

While I was frowning like that.

‘Ugh!’

Suddenly, a sudden dizziness struck my head.

A powerful dizziness that made it impossible to even keep my eyes open.

I rolled onto the ground.

No, I wasn’t even sure if I was rolling on the ground or not.

That was the level of dizziness.

‘What…… is it……?’

As the dizziness slowly subsided. I slowly opened my eyes.

‘Marble floor?’

The first thing that came into my view was not the reddish stone floor near the cliff, but a well-maintained marble floor.

‘Could it be that I’ve entered the castle?’

The only place where there would be a marble floor would be inside the outpost.

Thinking that, I slowly raised my head.

‘I’ve been waiting for you.’

Someone was sitting in front of me.

He was sitting diagonally on a magnificent chair, looking down at me with his chin resting on his hand in an arrogant manner.

‘Ray’s disciple. The next successor of the Bytenner style.’

Eyes that seemed to be the embodiment of pitch black.

A man with a chilling atmosphere that made me feel cold just by being near him.

‘What is your name?’

My whole body trembled.

It wasn’t even this bad when I stood before the tyrant Drake.

This pressure is not comparable to Drake.

It was as if death was standing in front of me.

‘Hmm. Was it polite to introduce myself before asking for the other person’s name?’

The man chuckled.

‘Understand. It’s rare for me to have a conversation like this with someone.’

It was as if death had gathered together and was beckoning me.

‘Usually, they die before that. This is the second time I’ve had a long conversation like this, after Ray. I’m quite pleased.’

The man laughed out loud.

That unremarkable laughter made my heart tremble.

‘Then let me reintroduce myself.’

The man slowly crossed his legs.

‘My name is Veil Stoll.’

The man looked down at me and chuckled.

‘Ray’s nemesis, and……’

It was a cold gaze, like looking at a lab rat.

‘Your future nemesis.’