Rebirth of the Noble Mage Behind the Scenes

Under the effect of Magic, the environment on the stage has turned into the gloomy cave behind the waterfall. Dressed in tattered noble hunting attire, Theo Sis emerged drenched from the water, using his sword as a crutch to support his body, limping into the cave.

Under Sherman's performance, the protagonist at this moment, with that cautious and panicked demeanor and somewhat stumbling gait, seemed as if the real Theo Sis had inhabited his body.

"How do you feel about this scene, Councilman Zast? If we are to speak of reality, the hunting outfit on the protagonist should have been more simplistic and sleek. But now, his clothes are still adorned with many intricate decorations."

The Councilman glanced at the protagonist on the stage and raised his eyebrows, the expression on his face looking as though he was about to smile but not quite there yet.

"Every time this happens, I always have some doubts, for the so-called 'artistic effect', one can even let go of 'realism'. Councilman Zast, do you think this trade-off is correct?"

"Whether the trade-off is correct depends on which stance one takes."

Also drawing his gaze back from the stage, Anvis shook his head and did not directly answer.

"The performer's goal is to please the audience as much as possible. So, from the performer's perspective, if it makes the audience's viewing experience better, the value undoubtedly outweighs 'realism'.

If we take the perspective of the theater owner, their ultimate goal is the income brought by the box office, then better viewer appeal that brings more popularity also surpasses realism."

"And the majority of the audience who come here are to pass the time. Therefore, more exquisite costumes are undoubtedly an added flair.

Perhaps, only to those who seek higher degrees of realism, this would be a discordant point that detracts from the score."

With that said, Anvis took a sip of the crystal-clear Magic Spring water, his tone implying something more.

"But after all, such people are always in the minority, are they not?"

"So you mean to say, as long as the result is beneficial to the majority, then the action should be taken, correct?"

The robed Councilman nodded thoughtfully.

"I must point out, there is a word in your statement that is not accurate. It's not 'should be' done, rather 'worth it' to be done."

Anvis corrected the other's words.

"Often, one needs to make a choice between the interests of the majority and the minority. It is generally more 'worth it' to forsake the benefits of a small minority than it is to forsake the benefits of the vast majority."

"Indeed, the majority is often more important than the minority."

The Councilman nodded with a smile.

"But isn't such a choice unfair to that minority?"

"To the minority, it may be somewhat unfair. But the purpose of setting up a theater is to serve the majority, as that is where their main source of income lies.

If the choice is made primarily for the sake of a small minority, then that would be unfair to both the theater and the majority."

Anvis shrugged his shoulders and spread his hands slightly.

"Therefore, Councilman Far, in my view, fairness is relative. There is only the fairness of the majority and the fairness of the minority."

"The fairness of the majority and the fairness of the minority, quite an interesting perspective."

Listening to Anvis's remarks, the Councilman nodded with interest, his dark eyes fixed on Anvis as he suddenly changed the subject.

"However, Mr. Zast, I suspect that the one meeting with me here isn't your true self, is it?"

"Have you noticed? Meeting you in the form of a clone is indeed a breach of etiquette on my part. However, my true body is currently far away in another country; walking outside as a clone is merely a matter of personal safety."

Anvis paused for a moment, then nodded in understanding, gracefully acknowledging the matter while showing a hint of inevitable helplessness on his face.

"After all, my strength is still very weak. And there are too many dangers in this world. If I don't use a clone to venture outside, I might accidentally run into things far beyond my strength as I go about.

Only by maintaining a sense of reverence at all times can one survive longer in this world."

"...There's no need to be too modest, Mr. Zast. In the realm of Clone Magic, you are the most skilled individual I have ever encountered below the Ninth Rank Limit. I'm afraid even average Ninth Rankers would be unable to discern the truth from the facade."

A peculiar expression appearing on his face, the Councilman raised an eyebrow, his interest in Anvis growing stronger.

It wasn't the first time he had invited guests to meet here; however, among those who had earned his invitation in the past, few were as intriguing as Anvis.

As the two conversed, the opera on the stage reached the climax of its second act.

In a flurry of symphony music resembling a swift storm, the protagonist on the stage leaped up with Agility, barely escaping the lethal fangs of the Black Water Mysterious Snake and, with the rhythm of the music, countered beautifully with a Moonlight Slash.

At the moment when the background music reached its zenith, the massive snake's head thunderously fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust and blood.

Then, as the music shifted to a relaxing post-climax, the protagonist stepped over the enormous serpent's carcass and, in the deepest part of the cave, saw the already broken Secret Door.

From the damaged corner of the door, the Radiance of countless splendid treasures shone through, dazzling both the eyes of the protagonist and the audience.

Similarly, at this moment, the stage curtain slowly fell, obscuring the many gazes filled with Greed and regret.

"What is that, Mr. Far?"

During the intermission, Anvis casually started a conversation while looking at the Councilman playing with a Dark Gold Key in his hand.

"An interesting little toy. With it, one can change the world."

Glancing at Anvis, whose eyes were filled with Curiosity, the Councilman twirled the key's handle in his hand, then casually tossed it to Anvis.

"Would you like to try? It makes no difference to me who activates it."

"You jest, Mr. Far."

Startled by the gesture, Anvis examined the Key for a moment before gently placing it on the coffee table.

"Won't you give it a try, Mr. Zast, in case what I said is true?"

Watching Anvis's action, the Councilman's gaze slowly lifted to meet his eyes, speaking with profound implication.

"Just as the secret treasure in the cave is to the protagonist Theo Sis, an opportunity to change the world would surely hold extraordinary significance to a High Rank Prophet, wouldn't it?"

"I am different from others, Mr. Far. When it comes to the great trouble of changing the world, I have no desire to be tainted even slightly."

His smile unchanged, Anvis pressed the Key with a gloved index finger, pushing it back towards the Councilman.

"As you said, what if what you mentioned is true?"