Descent of the Legendary Archmage

Wednesday afternoon.

All my classes have ended.

“There's nothing left to read right?”

"Yup. You've read it all. With that, you've read through all the books on Destruction."

During that time, I finished all the books on Destruction that existed in Mímisbrunnr.

“How is it, successor? Did you get a bit of an understanding of Destruction?"

"...No."

But quite literally all I did was read through it.

I can't even understand half of what Destruction is about.

''I honestly don't understand it. I only vaguely understand its structure.”

“It's beyond your comprehension, right?”

"...Yeah."

What Mimir said hit the nail right on the head.

The stage of Destruction was something that was escaping my understanding.

It feels completely new.

It felt like I was looking at calculus before having learnt how to add or subtract.

“It’s only natural that you don’t understand. Telling a human without wings to soar the skies by moving them is futile right? It's the same kind of thing. Since you haven't met the requirements, as you are now, you'll never understand Destruction.”

“That’s a good analogy.”

"Right?"

Her analogy was accurate.

Even if I'm taught it in great detail or able to understand its structure, since I'm effectively wingless, I'm unable to understand it.

That was what the stage of Destruction felt like.

“So you're saying the only way to meet that condition is to enter the 3rd test's page?”

''That's right. All the answers are on the page of the third test."

"Could it be that the person you asked me to greet for you is the one who'll teach me Destruction?"

Mimir had asked me for a favor.

When I enter the 3rd page's test, I'll greet someone for her.

In other words, Mimir's acquaintance is present on the third test page.

So I wondered if it was Mimir's unknown friend who would teach Destruction to me.

'Unlike the other two tests, you can still enter the 3rd test without being a 3rd circle master. This only makes sense if it involves me receiving some sort of education rather than it just being a simple test.'

And what's especially important is that the stage of Destruction is astronomically difficult.

Without a proper teacher, I'll never be able to learn it.

"If you're curious, go inside. Since you've read all the books, aren't you going to go inside?"

"...Is there perhaps some sort of restriction that prevents you from telling me about the 3rd page's test?"

Mimir seemed to answer everything with reluctance, so I asked just in case.

"Nope. It's not a restriction.”

“Then what is it?”

It's not a ‘restriction'.

In other words, it's something other than a restriction.

“A promise.”

"...A promise?"

"Yup."

Just what kind of promise did she make to the person waiting at the 3rd page's test?

"What did you promise?"

“I can’t say that. Since it's a promise between just the two of us."

Mimir faintly laughed.

But she looked somewhat sad.

"Mimir...?"

She was clearly smiling brightly, but it felt strangely heart-wrenching.

She was also like this when she asked me to send them her regards.

'Who on earth is waiting at the 3rd test's page for her to act like this?'

At this point, I was genuinely curious.

Who on earth was waiting on the third test's page?

Even if it's just because I'm curious, I think I'll have to quickly head to the 3rd page's test.

''Are you going right away?"

As if she had read the impatience on my face, she asked me if I was going to go right away.

"Yeah. That's my plan.”

I put the book that I was reading back in place.

“The books you read. Even if you don't understand them, you remember everything right?"

"Of course. I remember everything to a T.”

I tapped my temple with my index finger and laughed confidently.

"To be fair. Since you have the same constitution as Ray, there's no way you would've forgotten it.”

Mimir smiled.

“Then take care. And you remember my favor, right?"

“I remember. I’ll be sure to give her your regards.”

“Yes. I'll leave it in your hands.”

Mimir got up from her seat, which she didn't usually do, and walked up to the exit.

"Take care."

She put a fist on my chest and smiled faintly.

* * *

On the top floor of the head office affiliated with the Magic Shin Clan that Shin Jihan had taken charge of. Shin Jihan was enjoying a banquet with the company executives.

"Haha! As expected, there's no one like you, director Shin Jihan. You got the contracts so easily!”

''There really is no one like you."

The executives smiled broadly as they flattered Shin Jihan.

"You praise me too much. I was just lucky."

"Huhu. If you're able to get contracts just with the help of luck, then imagine how comfortable the world would be. It's not luck, it's your abilities."

"That's right! The representative's resourcefulness was amazing!"

Shin Jihan succeeded in forming a partnership with a fairly large company in the United States.

There were 30 others who were competing for this alliance, but Shin Jihan overcame all odds and secured it.

The benefits that the company has gained from this are indescribable.

“At this point, it's not an exaggeration to call the director the next head of the Magic Shin Clan!”

"That's right. Considering what the director has accomplished so far, of course, that's the case!"

And the benefits of the affiliate companies are soon to become the benefits of the Magic Shin Clan.

Shin Jihan's position within the Magic Shin Clan was getting stronger.

“It’s all thanks to everyone's help. Thank you.”

Shin Jihan bowed his head with a friendly smile.

"Oh! Director. There's no need for that. If you bow your head, we'll feel embarrassed.”

''We did nothing. There's no need for that."

The executives made a fuss.

“I just wanted to say that I'm in your care for the future as well, so don't feel too burdened.”

Shin Jihan said this with a bitter smile.

“Then I'll be in your care for the future as well.”

“Ah, but of course."

''We'll follow you forever."

The executives laughed loudly.

They'll follow Shin Jihan forever.

That's what they were determined to do.

"The future of the Magic Shin Clan is very bright!"

''Of course. The youngest master is distinguishing himself as well.”

"Huhu. It's good news all around."

At that moment, Shin Jihan's friendly smile cracked slightly.

“Oh, I heard about that. He defeated the emerald turtle alone didn't he?”

“That's not all. He even fought toe to toe with Adella Stuart, who's a 4th circle mage.”

“I luckily saw the VODs of the fight. Huhu. It was surprising. Had their faces been covered, I would have thought that it was a full-on magic fight between adults! Haha!"

"..."

Every time the executives praised Shin Hayul, Shin Jihan's expression turned slightly colder.

''I can't even believe that he's incompatible with AI."

“Could it be that once you're a genius, you're a genius for life? To think he could overcome such a hopeless situation. I'm so proud.”

From how they continued to talk about Shin Hayul, it seemed like the executives hadn't noticed the subtle changes in Shin Jihan's expression.

It must've been because as the banquet drew out, everyone got drunk.

“Seeing how all of Shin Jihan's siblings are so outstanding, the future of the Magic Shin Clan is in safe hands for the next 100 years! Haha!"

''That's to be expected. Obviously, it is!"

Of course, their drunkenness isn't the only factor.

The executives were 100% sure that Shin Jihan would be the next clan head.

And so, they were genuinely happy that the only blemish of the Magic Shin Clan, Shin Hayul, had stopped being an eyesore and was benefiting Shin Jihan.

"..."

Shin Jihan is well aware of this fact.

He understood that they were only saying these things because they didn't consider Shin Hayul to be a rival.

However, 'I don't like it.'

Despite knowing all that, he did not like their conversations.

'The fact that Hayul's reputation is increasing within the family. It's very... very unpleasant.'

They probably don't see Shin Hayul as much of a threat.

They probably think that even if Shin Hayul grows up, he still won't be able to reach Shin Jihan.

But Shin Jihan doesn't have these same thoughts.

As someone who remembered being horribly overwhelmed by a brother more than 10 years younger than him, Shin Jihan sees Shin Hayul as the most dangerous threat to his position.So hearing that Shin Hayul be praised was very unpleasant indeed.

"Director? Are you feeling unwell?"

As if Shin Jihan's mood had been finally noticed, an executive cautiously spoke to him.

"Haha. No, I'm fine. It might be because I had a bit too much to drink but I'm feeling a bit dizzy. I'll take a step out and get some fresh air."

Shin Jihan desperately suppressed his displeasure and put on a friendly façade.

If he remained in this place for any longer, his façade could break.

And that would be awkward.

"Ah! If that's the case, I'll see you out."

"No, don't worry about it. There are some things on my mind. Please enjoy the rest of the banquet. I'll go alone.”

"Ah yes. All right."

With those words, Shin Jihan left the banquet hall.

Shin Jihan soon arrived at the terrace.

He mumbled after taking a deep breath.

"...Hayul. This isn't going to work out."

He said this as he thought of Shin Hayul.

''As expected, with you here, I don't think I can be."

Shin Jihan's expression twisted bizarrely.

* * *

[Eadred's grimoire, page 214]

I placed my hand on the geometric magic circle that was similar to but more developed than the magic circles in the other two tests and circulated my mana.

I had to detect and analyze the mana of the corresponding magic circle according to the principles of Interference.

I perfectly matched my mana with the mana of the magic formula.

'Interference.'

My mana started to interfere with the magic circle.

And...

Flash!

After Eadred's grimoire had lit up, for an instant, my vision turned black.

"...A forest?"

I was standing in a forest I had never seen before in my life.

'What kind of tree is this big.'

For starters.

The trees are big.

Abnormally big even.

I can't determine their exact height because of the overgrown leaves, but they look to be at least as tall as a 50-floor building.

"Woah..."

The view of the densely packed, 50-story tall trees that the forest provided was truly magnificent.

Chirp chirp!

I could hear the chirping of the mountain birds.

My mind felt relaxed.

I took a deep breath.

The distinct scent of grass in the forest tickled the tip of my nose.

It felt as if I was being rejuvenated.

'In any case, where am I?'

The beautiful scenery was nice, being in nature was nice, and the rejuvenating feeling was nice as well.

But what the hell had happened?

'I thought I would be put into a space of pure white like I was in the two other tests.'

Why had I suddenly been transported to a forest?

'There's no guide either. And unlike before, I can't even hear my master's voice.'

Did I make a mistake?

No.

There's no way that's the case.

If I had made a mistake, I would have stayed in my room.

It doesn't make sense for me to suddenly be transported into a forest.

'Then could it be that this whole forest is the page of the third test?'

No, I doubt that.

Making such a massive space in a book is impossible.

Even for the Bytenor style of magic that transcends all common laws of reason, that's too much.

'I really don't know the reason.'

The person whom Mimir has asked me to send her regards to was nowhere to be seen.

What the hell did they expect me to do here?

'Aren't you supposed to at least tell me how to get out of here?'

And at that moment, as I was stroking my chin with a serious expression.

Thud!

The ground trembled with a sudden explosion.

'An earthquake? No, it doesn't feel like it.'

The tremors were fragmented.

Thud!

The explosions and tremoring repeated regularly.

I imagined that a giant violently trampling on the ground would cause these kinds of sounds and tremors.

Boom, boom boom!

The sound was getting louder.

Along with the sound, the vibrations were larger as well.

'Is something coming this way?'

And at the very moment I had organized my thoughts and had slowly turned my head in the direction of the roar.

All sounds suddenly disappeared.

An unpleasant silence.

And what emerged from that silence was:

Crack!

Bang!

Giant trees the size of high-rise buildings snapped like twigs.

Baaaaaaaaaaang-!!!

A huge mouth.

Reptilian, slit eyes on skin as lustrous as a crocodile's.

Teeth that were as sharp as saws.

That appearance.

I've seen it before in a book.

"A dr...ake?"

A species of disaster that doesn't exist in the ranking index.

The drake.

'Why is that thing...?'

The monster which in the myths, razed a country to the ground, was staring me down.