CHAPTER 120……………………………………………….
Conspiracy (1)
Meanwhile, at that time…
In another location, a gathering of suspicious individuals was taking place.
“Do you have something to report?”
A man, brushing aside the deep folds of his robe, asked irritably. Dark blue-black hair flowed long, revealing eyes of a pale crimson that were tightly narrowed in a frown. He was the Chief Court Mage, Ligma.
The pronounced frown on his face showed just how agitated he had become. A tense, suffocating atmosphere hung in the air.
Those around him could hardly be unaware. They exchanged anxious glances, signaling their awareness of the tension. But the man, already on edge, couldn’t spare attention for them.
“If you have something to say, say it quickly. How long do you intend to make me wait?”
Only then did the crouching figure stammer out a report.
“Th-that… ‘the one you mentioned’ has located a laboratory in the capital, and it has been shut down!”
“The capital, you say? Where exactly?”
“North outpost.”
“…That’s the second largest facility in the entire region. What a shame.”
The man muttered, pressing his hand to his head in frustration. The reporter tried to salvage the situation with a hopeful addition.
“But it’s still fortunate! There’s nothing important there except some remnants.”
Bang!
But it had no effect. Ligma slammed his fist onto the table, the loud noise echoing through the silent room.
“Fortunate? You actually call this fortunate?”
“Uh? N-no… that’s… I misspoke.”
“If you had any sense of shame, you wouldn’t have said that! Do you even realize how much trouble that guy’s causing?”
“B-but his abilities are extraordinary. It may not be too late. Even now, if we can persuade him…”
At those words, Ligma’s eyes flared.
“Ha! Now you want to try recruiting Lowell van Trea?”
“Y-yes. Though he isn’t exactly cooperative, wouldn’t it be enough if we just got him to help to a certain degree?”
“Do you even remember what he’s done so far?! There’s no chance that guy would ever cooperate with us. From Callis Land to the labs! It’s all his doing!!!”
“I-I’m sorry… He’s just so talented, I thought if he were on our side, he’d definitely be an asset to Prometheus…”
“An asset? I don’t even expect that. Just stop him from meddling! You idiots.”
Bang!
Feeling his reason slipping under the weight of his rage, Ligma slammed the table again.
He’s not the type to take such active measures… Could this really be a coincidence?
He clenched his trembling fist and drew a deep breath.
Lowell. Not once had that name ever brought him anything good.
It’s always been this way. Is he really someone meant to block my path?
During his days at Terrium Academy, Ligma had always been a confident student. And it wasn’t entirely unfounded.
He had innate talent, and his mana reserves were among the best wherever he went. He believed the academy, a place all mages must pass through, would be a stepping stone for his future.
- Did you hear? That guy entered this time as the youngest student ever…
But that notion quickly shattered.
A strikingly handsome young man, sharp and brilliant, with skills that would go down in history. His presence alone drew every gaze. Naturally, the attention of everyone at the academy focused entirely on him. A genius versus a slightly outstanding talent—that was the distinction.
‘Damn! Just how much better is he than me…’
A small sense of dissatisfaction grew in Ligma, who had received far less attention than expected. But he forced himself to suppress it.
No, someone like him could be an asset if he joins my side. Good! If he’s proven talented, he’ll be a great help if aligned with me.
At that time, Ligma was still just a child, and curiosity ran high at that age.
I wonder what kind of kid he is? If he’s really that good, how far?
His goal naturally shifted to befriending the rumored student. And when he finally met Lowell—
“Why are you staring? If you’re just going to look at people foolishly, move aside instead of blocking the way.”
…It was nothing like he expected.
- He looks great when he keeps his mouth shut.
- But why does everything he says have to be like that?
- That guy literally spits venom with his words.
As fast as interest in him grew, rumors spread just as quickly. The common consensus: Lowell was not a friendly person. Some even said that it suited him, but hardly anyone dared approach him. Ligma, however, was exceptionally determined.
But, isn’t it cool when a talented mage has such a side?
That was his thinking. He even had some confidence in himself.
“Hey, Lowell. Are you taking this class? I was thinking of taking it too.”
“I’m not interested. Do as you please.”
“This is a group project—you can’t do it alone. It’s required.”
“…Huh.”
Despite his sharp tone, if one filtered it slightly, Lowell was not that difficult to deal with. He simply didn’t pay much attention to others. That distance was a barrier for most, but an advantage for Ligma. Just smiling and lingering near Lowell made others see him differently.
“Ligma, aren’t you scared of Lowell? I freeze up whenever he looks at me.”
“He does have that side, but he’s not as bad as people think.”
“Ugh, no way. But he seems closer to you than anyone else?”
“Well… maybe? I hope he thinks the same.”
“Your personality’s good too. That’s why you can handle him.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
It was advantageous. By laughing it off, his own reputation rose. Others misjudged him favorably, and there was much to learn from Lowell, at least in magic.
“Ligma, did you finish the group project already? I barely understand half of it…! Help me a bit, please!”
“Huh? This…”
Lowell almost finished it himself.
Lowell had completed making the potion in just thirty minutes. Ligma merely took notes and finished organizing his own work. He hesitated to speak the truth.
But understanding it is important too, right? That part is mine.
Thinking so, he naturally answered:
“Of course. It wasn’t difficult for me either, you’ll manage soon.”
“Thanks! You’re the best mage ever.”
“Ha, thanks for saying that.”
Yeah, Lowell doesn’t care about others’ opinions anyway. He won’t care about this.
Meanwhile, Ligma was helping cover Lowell’s shortcomings, gaining recognition while freeing Lowell from bothersome attention. Their relationship was ideal in that sense.
Eventually, Ligma became known as the second strongest student after Lowell. He even grew slightly arrogant, believing it was his skill. Several times, when their eyes met, his chest would tighten, yet he ignored the ominous feeling.
Lowell lets it slide. I’m the only one who fits with him. Given his personality, I’d be the only one he could call a friend…
So it should be fine.
But that illusion was shattered in the most unwelcome way.
When he caught Lowell reading a popular romance novel—something utterly uncharacteristic—a black resentment slowly welled up inside him.
Why are you reading that? It doesn’t suit you!
Impulsively, he snatched the book and looked away.
- I’m tired of dealing with this. You’ve already got enough.
- You’re being clingy. Go away.
But all he received in return was a cold response and icy glare. That humiliating encounter filled him with shame, indignation, and above all, rage.
I’ve done this much for you, and this is the thanks I get?
The admiration he once had, the sweet results of reflected benefits—all seemed to burn away. From then on, Ligma tried desperately to surpass Lowell but failed. At best, his efforts only further tarnished Lowell’s already low reputation. Lowell’s calm demeanor only made him more frustrated.
- Did you hear? Ligma got the Chief Court Mage position?
- Yeah. He’s impressive.
- True. But did you hear?
- What is it?
- He only got it because Lowell flat-out refused.
- Ah… that makes sense if it’s Lowell.
From that point on, Lowell’s name never disappeared from Ligma’s life. It had become, without a doubt, a bitter fate. It continuously fueled Ligma’s inferiority complex.
And now he’s blocking my path again…!
When Lowell reappeared ahead of a major mission, Ligma’s nerves were razor-sharp. Lowell had used illegal potions to boost his power, and Ligma’s research into him helped evade Lowell’s tracking magic. Yet, Lowell still managed to catch up.
Ligma asked the question he had been asking daily:
“So, what is Lowell doing now?”
“According to this morning’s intel, he approached the temple.”
“The temple? Why there?”
Did he catch something? About the healer mages?
“Officially, it’s just a visit…”
“What a ridiculous excuse. Damn it! Something must have leaked from the temple.”
Ligma pressed his throbbing forehead.
From now on, he’s a complete enemy of Prometheus.
“Good. At this point, we just need to crush him completely.”
