Chapter 112. ………………………………..
Encounter (10)
Lowell concluded cynically.
However, Temia could infer several things from his brief remark. For example, that this place wasn’t the only one conducting experiments to enhance human strength to monster-like levels.
Lowell had said that the people here had died because the experiments failed. So…
“There must be somewhere else where the ‘successful subjects,’ like the Lycanthrope Marquis, retain their sanity.”
And they were probably conducting experiments to eliminate the side effects as well.
Ultimately, the experiments must have continued endlessly in one form or another, and since there were no partially successful subjects here like the Marquis, that implied the existence of other laboratories. Temia swallowed hard.
“If this experiment causes humans to die at this rate, the success rate must be extremely low, right?”
“Most likely. The human body is more complex than we think—it doesn’t respond the same under all conditions.”
“And… judging from the fact that we haven’t seen anyone like the Marquis outside this room, it seems only the failed subjects are here.”
“That’s also true.”
“Then, what if such places aren’t just one, but two, three… no, ten? Or not ten, but a hundred?”
Temia gradually realized that she was getting closer to the truth. The cold sweat running over her body made her previous nervousness seem trivial.
In the past, there had been a reason why groups advocating wizard supremacy wielded influence across the kingdom.
The population born as wizards was extremely small. Among them, even fewer had joined the rebellion. Not every wizard had risen in revolt.
Moreover, not all wizards had strong or unlimited magic.
Yet, in the past, a group of wizards could openly infiltrate a heavily guarded mansion, the territory of a Duke, which implied not only Lowell’s personal strength but also other possibilities had to be considered.
She had to carefully steady the vial in her trembling hands so as not to drop it.
After several deep breaths and moments of concentration, she finally reached the conclusion she had deduced.
“Someone… is trying to use magic to create an army. They’re strengthening human bodies through experiments so that they can wield power beyond ordinary humans—like monsters! If they’re doing this to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people, there’s only one conclusion.”
“……”
“They could be creating an army of experimental subjects with overwhelming force capable of overthrowing a nation. And if they’re really planning to overthrow a country…”
“Go on.”
“They were using this place to select members for their group, in other words, for their ‘army.’ A gateway to determine who would join them and who wouldn’t—through the success or failure of these horrific experiments! And… that must be the meaning of the ‘gateway’ you mentioned.”
Lowell nodded gravely.
The two agreed that they needed to share the truth they had discovered with other wizards as soon as possible. Investigating the site had been their priority until now, but they could delay no longer. They decided to escape immediately.
“You were shivering before, but you’re braver than I expected.”
With that, before leaving the room completely, they collected the liquid from one of the vials in the coffin and separated the floating nails and hair from the corpses into another vial, sealing it. To be precise, Temia had performed this task.
“What choice did I have? I’m the assistant, after all. It’s my role to help him analyze it. Lowell will do the analysis, but assisting him is what I’m supposed to do.”
“Thank you for helping. I’ll do my best to investigate as well.”
“……Even now, thinking about that scene makes me shudder. It was horrifying. But having you by my side made it bearable. If I had to do it alone, I never could have.”
Temia shivered violently, and Lowell gave her a small smile.
“Ha ha, I’m glad to hear that.”
“Glad? How can you be glad in a situation like this?!”
“I just mean it seems like you rely on me a lot. And since you’re fulfilling your role as an assistant faithfully, I think you’ll stay by my side for the time being.”
“Th… that’s true, but given the circumstances! I haven’t even confirmed that I’m fully recovered yet?!”
Lowell laughed again. The serious mood from before vanished, replaced by a refreshingly relaxed expression.
‘Is he really fearless…? Laughing like this even now.’
Feeling her patience wane, Temia scowled and strode forward.
Lowell did not slow down either. Perhaps because he had already thoroughly investigated this place, he guided the way smoothly, unlike before. He still carried the child on his back but was not casting spells recklessly, so he could take in his surroundings.
Finally,
“Oh, we’ve reached the exit! Good thing we didn’t get lost on the way out.”
They emerged outside. The sky was already dark.
Fortunately,
“Temia—! Oh, my God… my daughter, are you hurt anywhere?”
The Duke of Etval himself had come to meet them. His entourage’s magical lights illuminated the surroundings so brightly that Temia could see the worry etched on the Duke’s face. Following his orders, the entourage moved into position, and the Duke hurriedly approached Temia, embracing her tightly and whispering:
“Rest easy now. I’m here. I’ll make sure you’re no longer in danger.”
“Father, don’t worry so much. I’m really fine. Lowell came to rescue me in time.”
“Hmm… Lowell, you mean that wizard.”
As the Duke felt a mix of anger at Temia’s suffering and gratitude to Lowell for saving her, Lowell approached, carrying the child, and Temia greeted him happily.
“Lowell! Is the child safe?”
“I had a harder time, yet you ask first? …I handed him over there, and he’ll recover after some rest. Fortunately, there’s no danger to his life, so don’t worry and take care of yourself first.”
“I really am fine!”
“Your lying skills are quite impressive, I see. Not fooled.”
Watching the two bicker familiarly, the Duke felt inexplicably left out. Making his presence known with a loud hmm, Temia finally realized and turned to him.
“Father, this is Lowell, the owner of the workshop where I stay. Lowell, this is my father.”
After the introductions, the two men shook hands. The Duke, perhaps because of previous visits regarding Temia’s disappearance, looked at Lowell with a face of pleasant recognition rather than his usual stern expression.
“I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought it would be hard for you to move around recklessly as a Duke.”
“What matters when my daughter is in danger? Thank you for saving Temia. I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded.”
“No need for reward. It was only my duty.”
“Ha ha, nonsense. After facing danger, it’s only natural you should rest.”
The Duke stepped forward and addressed Temia firmly:
“This place is too dangerous. Let’s go and rest, Temia. Those who tried to harm you won’t set foot in this country again. You must rest now—you’re badly shaken.”
“I’m really fine! More importantly, this place is surely related to the missing persons case, so we need to investigate thoroughly. Lowell and I will analyze the evidence, so don’t worry.”
“You don’t understand! You need to rest, Temia. You look a mess. Go in and rest immediately!”
Veins stood out on the Duke’s temple as he spoke with unyielding authority. His words carried ironlike weight, yet his anger was so strong that Temia found herself trying to comfort him. Seeing his expression twist as he listened, she dismissed it as his usual overprotectiveness.
At that moment, another familiar face appeared.
“You don’t need to worry about such disgusting people, Duke. I checked inside briefly—the wizard seems to have already been taken care of, sprawled on the floor. We still need to search the base further, but no one in there is capable of entering this country now.”
“Rio! What are you doing here?! The guild… Ah! Did you hear from the Duke himself?”
It had been a long time since she had seen him. After the ballroom incident, they hadn’t met, leaving her with a lingering regret.
‘I even escorted him, but couldn’t focus and ended up showing my collapsed state.’
Despite letters, they had never properly greeted each other before. Walking to meet Rio directly had been difficult due to his responsibilities and increased city security. This encounter was thus particularly welcome for both.
Lowell’s brows furrowed slowly, but Temia didn’t notice. Overjoyed to be outside, she chatted with Rio, unaware of Lowell’s expression gradually darkening.
