The Second Strongest Has Returned

Chapter 39

Magic Tower

A union where wizards gathered, a scholarly society for the study of magic, or an administrative body overseeing illegal magic and the development of spells.

Currently, it was divided into the Blue Tower, Red Tower, White Tower, and Black Tower, each specializing in different fields.

This division was not only for the sake of efficient specialization but also a division of power to ensure that each tower kept each other in check and cooperated, preventing any one tower from going astray…

“…Or so they say, at least on the surface.”

In truth, it was so rotten to the core that it would have been better if it were empty.

“Most of the magic research has turned into a battle for patents, and some wizards are no longer overseeing magic—they’re trying to monopolize it.”

Even in the era when the Sage lived, it was unlikely that magic was researched purely out of noble intentions.

However, at least in that era, magic was valued more as a scholarly pursuit rather than as a tool for business and power.

This was something the Sage could take pride in.

[Hah… And? Who are these wizards who have dabbled in black magic?]

The Sage, feeling conflicted as his pride was trampled on, asked. At that sigh, Leo pulled out something that would make him confront the grim reality even more.

[…What’s with the notebook?]

“I’d usually tell you to open it yourself, but…”

Given that he was a formless ghost, it seemed like too difficult a request.

“I’ll just flip to the table of contents for you.”

[…But why is this notebook as thick as a novel?]

Just as the Sage said, the notebook Leo held was quite thick. It was probably comparable to a textbook from the Magic Tower.

The table of contents alone spanned 10 pages, resembling a small dictionary.

[Rank 1, Rank 2, Rank 3… Have you assigned grades to people? And it’s not just a few, either.]

“It’s not like I enjoyed doing it. But organizing the information systematically is better, right?”

He roughly calculated the number of people killed as the primary criterion. In addition, he meticulously recorded each person’s danger level, personality, and history, making the notebook inevitably thick.

[So, who’s the first one that needs to be killed?]

“…I’m not going to kill them. At least not yet.”

It was something that hadn’t happened yet, and if he acted on it, he could also be suspected.

“So, we need to handle it this way.”

[What’s this time?]

As he flipped through the pages toward the back, he came across a section titled “Targets Eligible for Immediate Disposal.”

“Just like that pedophile bastard earlier, there are those who are currently involved in shady dealings within the Magic Tower. Among them, some are already dabbling in black magic.”

[…Oh, really now…]

The Sage displayed a satisfied, crooked smile. Well, if he had the chance to beat up a junior who had done something vile, he would have made that same expression.

“We’ve arrived! That’s it, right?”

Arias waved her hand enthusiastically, calling out to Leo. While he wasn’t sure why she was so excited, there was no need to spoil her good mood.

“Yes, that’s right.”

The place Arias was pointing to had four tall towers. In truth, they looked more like colored pillars than towers, but they were connected by square-shaped buildings, making them appear more like a single complex.

[…There wasn’t anything square like that in my time.]

“The number of people in the Magic Tower increased so much that they had to construct additional buildings to accommodate them.”

[Oh, that’s a bit better. Looks like they’ve learned some flexibility after all.]

Leonardo also agreed that the plan was reasonable. Thanks to it, people’s sense of distance from magic and the Magic Tower had somewhat lessened.

“Let’s go in.”

At Leonardo’s words, Aria nodded and headed towards the Magic Tower.

“Rios…?”

At that moment, a woman with disheveled hair, brushing it aside, looked at Aria’s party and asked. Her pointed ears seemed to metaphorically indicate her race.

“Yes?”

“Oh… no. I’m sorry. I was mistaken.”

The woman, yawning repeatedly, rubbed her dark-circled eyes continuously. At a glance, it was clear she hadn’t slept for several days.

“How do you know my brother’s name?”

“Brother…? Are you Rios’s sister…?”

The woman, in a weary voice, asked with a tone that seemed like she could faint with just a little nudge.

“Yes…? But why…?”

“Mr. Jeffrey went to see him off… Did you not meet him…?”

Leonardo lightly explained the situation, including the commotion on the train and how Jeffrey’s guidance had been declined.

“…I see… It must have been really tough for you…”

In truth, it was the woman who looked more exhausted.

[…What’s wrong with her? Is she a lich or something?]

Her pointed ears made that fact clear even to the Sage. However, there was still one thing that didn’t quite add up.

[Then why does she look like she’s about to die?]

[In another sense, she’s given up on being human.]

“Sorry for the late introduction… I’m Ameri Esph. A graduate student of the Black Magic Tower… a half-elf and a 4-Circle mage…”

She introduced herself with half-open eyes. Ariasphil looked at her with a slightly concerned expression.

“…Are you okay?”

“Hahaha… I’m fine. It’s just that I haven’t slept…”

She forced a faint smile and raised five fingers.

“Oh… five hours…”

“I’ve been pulling all-nighters for five days straight… I’ll feel better after some coffee…”

She was smiling as she said this, but no one responded to her. Instead, a cold and pitiful atmosphere surrounded her.

[Give it one more day, and she’ll turn into a lich.]

Leonardo couldn’t bring himself to deny it.

“…Could you possibly guide us?”

Leonardo, worried that she might collapse on the way, made the request with some consideration.

“Huh…? Will that be okay…?”

Normally, Ariasphil might have felt a little jealous, but seeing how pitiable the woman was, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

“Yes… I’ll do my best… to guide you…”

“Thank you.”

With a stretch to her hunched back, she began to lead Leonardo’s party.

“Then… shall I take you directly… to the Magic Tower Master’s office…?”

“Yes, that would be appreciated.”

Originally, they had thought of asking for a bit of a tour, but they didn’t want to burden the pitiful graduate student with more labor.

“Then… I’ll guide you right away…”

She took out a worn piece of paper and unfolded it.

“…Huh?”

In that instant, the party was immediately transported to a building. Without even a magic circle, they had moved in the blink of an eye, leaving Ariasphil bewildered.

“How did you…?”

“It’s teleportation magic… I brought you here as quickly as possible…”

“No, that’s not it… How did you do it without a magic circle…?”

There were no spirits in sight. And it didn’t seem like she had formed a magic circle at high speed either.

“The magic circle… is on the floor… and…”

Ameri unfolded a shabby piece of paper.

“This map… is connected to the magic circle and coordinates… It allows for instant teleportation anywhere at any time…”

[This is impressive. Even in my time, there were few who could create such magical tools.]

As much as the Sage praised it, Leo was equally astonished. Given his own involvement in magic, he couldn’t help but admire the map’s utility and value.

“How did you create this? It’s truly remarkable.”

“Ehehe… I didn’t expect it to work either… Actually, my professors often called me in the early morning… I had no money for transportation… and no carriage… So… I made it… hehe…”

Although she was clearly smiling, everyone looked at her with a sense of pity.

There were too many clues, making it difficult for anyone to speak.

“Lord Rios… helped me a lot… He’s really good at teleportation…”

Though her intentions were likely good, the result left them hesitant to offer praise or encouragement.

Perhaps it was because the Sage, who had witnessed a mining explosion magic being misused in a terrorist act, was present.

“…Then I’ll summon the Master of the Black Tower…”

With trembling hands, Ameri knocked on the door.

“…Huh…?”

When there was no response to the knock, Ameri looked towards the door with trembling eyes.

“Ah… It seems… they’re not here right now… They might be having lunch…”

“In that case, it’s fine. We’ll come back later.”

“Then… how about a tour this time…?”

That was something extremely difficult to allow.

It was impossible to permit due to ethical and moral concerns.

“It’s fine. We don’t need a tour… Could you just show us a place to rest? Perhaps a library?”

“Ah… understood…”

She took out the teleportation map again, the product of her effort and hardship.

With a blink of an eye, they were instantly transported to the entrance of the library.

“Ah, thank you.”

“Would you like me to recommend a book…? I’ll do my best…”

“No, that’s alright. Thanks to you, we got around easily.”

It wasn’t that they disliked her.

It was just that her eyes, which seemed to be looking in opposite directions, made them uneasy.

“Then I’ll go buy that coffee I wanted…”

“Just get some sleep.”

“…Huh…?”

“You can use us as an excuse for guiding us around. Just go to your place or a dormitory and get some rest.”

“Ah…”

Her previously strabismic eyes suddenly focused clearly.

“Thank you so much…! I haven’t slept well in so long…”

At that moment, the watch on her wrist lit up.

“Huh? What’s that?”

“Just a moment…”

She brought the watch closer to her face and started a conversation. After responding with “yes” and “okay” several times, she finally answered with a dejected “Understood…”

“…I’m sorry… I have to go see my professor…”

As the dream of much-needed sleep shattered, everyone silently offered their condolences.

[…Honestly, I wouldn’t blame her if she became a dark mage.]

[…A true victory of the human spirit. A real triumph.]

If Leonardo were to discuss a hymn to humanity, he would likely start with that woman’s story.

It wasn’t just a joke; it was sincere admiration.

“…But… this…”

Ariasphil picked up a shabby, worn-out wallet. Judging by its tattered state, it was easy to guess who the owner was.

“It looks like someone dropped this. I’ll return it.”

“Ah, do you know where they went?”

“Judging by the magic they used, I have a rough idea of the location. It’s nearby, so I’ll be back soon. In the meantime, why don’t you read a book?”

Ariasphil nodded without much disagreement. She was tired herself and thought reading might not be a bad way to pass the time.

“Then I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, come back soon.”

Leo left the library to return the wallet.

“…But what should I read?”

Even outside the Magic Tower, Ariasphil wasn’t well-versed in magic. To her, the books in the Magic Tower were all as difficult as encrypted texts.

“Advanced Elemental Symbols for Magic Fusion”
“Magic Squares for Stable Magic Circle Construction”

“They all seem difficult…”

While skimming through the shelves, a book with a somewhat familiar title caught her eye.

“The Mystery of the Human Body and Life”

“This looks a bit easier…”

If it was about the human body and life, it would surely relate to swordsmanship or martial arts. Wanting to supplement her theoretical knowledge, Ariasphil opened the book.

And by the time Leo returned, Ariasphil had learned “How Babies Are Made.”