Volume 7 Chapter 157 Reward (3)

While Gilly left for the main house, Jin ordered an investigation on the remaining members of the Dark Magic Association.

The association was in its prime two hundred years ago. And just as their name suggested, they were crazy people who worshiped dark magic and beasts. Their history was decently long, and during their peak, they had the ability to throw the world into chaos.

And the one who hammered them down was Liol Zipfel. The one time she used Ring of Erupting Flames Massacre by the Empress of Magic 1st Form was when she wiped out the Dark Magic Association.

A history that Jin learned when he studied magic.

After contracting with Solderet, Jin actually researched the Zipfel Clans old patriarch for a while.

Contrary to its name, the ultimate destruction spell, Ring of Erupting Flames Massacre, had ties to darkness, which made it definitely related to Solderet.

Beradin said it was Ring of Erupting Flames Massacre, but that was just some Erupting Flames.

Liol was Solderets contractor two contractors ago. She wasnt the thousand-year contractor, but she was one of the best, excluding Temar and Jin.

The one who guided Jin to the book with Ring of Erupting Flames Massacre Final Form was none other than Solderet.

My contractor, after becoming plenty strong, we shall go find Liols magic tome. That is, when you can pass the test she left before her passing.

Something Jin heard after being Solderets contractor for about a month.

Was it because he watched Beradinthough pathetically failedcast the spell?

He wanted to go find the tome immediately, but finding a tome belonging to one of the greatest magicians in history wasnt going to be easy.

Instead of some legendary spell that I cant handle, refining my current spells is more important right now.

Kiiiiiiiing!

In Jins palm, an Overload Vortex let out a shrill vibrating noise. After Gilly had left, Jin had been hooked on practicing his overload magic.

Young Master. I, Jet, seek your presence.

As soon as Jet came in, Jin deactivated his spell. With two hands, Jet handed a crumpled sheet of paper. The document had the cumulative forces and location of the Dark Magic Association as well as their most recent activities.

Southern region of the Vermont Empire? Theyre really active there?

Jin asked, raising an eyebrow.

He didnt expect them at such a location.

And there are over fifty of them there? I cant believe the Vermont Imperial Family is just letting this happen. And if whats written here is true, they arent staying put or anything.

Yes. They trash and loot cities while letting beasts loose in the empire, but it seems the Imperial Family isnt particularly reacting.

Hmmm something smells fishy.

Isnt it obvious? Either the unfair officials are being bribed or the weak leaders are trying to fake an accomplishment. Haaah. Well, the ones dying are always the poor.

In the Vermont Empire, widespread intervention is pretty rare. However, theyre inside the mainland, so Im sure theres some reason.

Shall I go and find out?

No need. Ill find out when I get there. Having a basic idea on what theyre doing is enough.

The remnants of the Dark Magic Association consisted of 3- to 4-star magicians. There were some 6-stars here and there, but they werent enough to threaten Jin.

After all, Jin was confident in fighting fifty 7-stars simultaneously. He physically felt that he was strong. However, he had no intention of stopping where he was.

Oh, and Lady Gilly has returned.

Whoa.

As soon as she returned, Gilly flashed a big smile.

Young Master!

Gilly, how was your trip?

Youll be very surprised about what I brought and what Ill tell you. Hehe, I felt so refreshed when the patriarch slapped Young Master Joshua across his face!

Huh? Father slapped Joshuas cheek?

Indeed! In front of my and Lord Owals eyes! Oh, I forgot to mention that Lord Owal was present as well. I wouldve never guessed, so I was very surprised. But that cannot overtake my happiness.

The Leader of Nameless was there as well? Tell me more.

So it went like this

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Translator jhei

Proofreader yukitokata

* * *

Four days ago, Garden of Swords.

Cyron had left the Black Sea and sent Owal an official invitation. He also sent the telegram to Tikan to summon Gilly.

Both of the invitees arrived, and Cyron had a short discussion about Yona with the elders.

After the meeting, he called Gilly, Owal, and Joshua into his room.

Joshua.

Yes, Father?

Thanks to you, Yonas return has been delayed for five more years. Do you have anything to say?

No, Father.

I dont even want to mention that the second flag-bearer showed mistakes towards the youngest provisional flag-bearer. And Im sure I warned your siblings about one thing. What was it?

You said to never lay a finger on Yona.

Slap!

Cyron slapped him.

Slap, slap!

Even from slaps without any aura, at every moment of contact, bits of flesh and blood splattered all over.

You cowards would have never disobeyed my law. However, it turned out to be so.

I apologize.

Return the Black Light Cuirass. It seems that it doesnt fit you.

Yes.

Joshua immediately removed his sweater, and when he took off his shirt, the Black Light Cuirass revealed itself.

Watching him take off the shimmering black chestplate, Cyron clicked his tongue.

Years passed since Rosa gave this to you but the luster is the same as when you received it. Did you not know that your mothers intent in offering this armor!

Clink, clink.

Removing the breastplate, Joshua fixed his clothes. At that point, Gilly was looking straight down, not even letting out a sound.

The next time I leave the Black Sea to meet you again, be prepared to lose your flag-bearer title! Leave!

* * *

Jins eyes deepend.

Isnt it crazy? Young Master Joshua had to self-reflect for while and you received the Black Light Armor!

Black Light Cuirass.

The ultimate armor that was forged thirty years ago in the Minche Smithy Association founded by legendary blacksmith, Picon Minche.

At first, this little group only created the armor for the Zipfel Clan.

However, after Zed took over the Zipfels Fifth Tower by waging war, the Runcandel Clan obtained the armor, and it had been sitting in storage ever since. Rosa then bestowed it upon Joshua seventeen years ago.

Helping him out when he was losing severely to Luna.

I understand why Father intentionally punished Joshua in front of Gilly and the Leader of Nameless. Also the reason to bestow the Black Light Cuirass.

Why do you think so? Are you not happy, Young Master? I didnt think youd be this calm.

I am elated. But the fact that Joshua got struck Father is assigning some homework through the armor. During my time as a provisional flag-bearer, I should return to the main house after fighting the strongest foesenough to break the chestplate. Its closer to an assignment than a reward.

So thats what he meant when he criticized the unchanged luster.

He also warned the Leader of Nameless. To never use Elder Sister Yona for compromises. Since he will crack down on the second flag-bearer anytime, hes implying that he can do it to Leader Owal as well.

I felt that too. It seems the patriarch treats Lady Yona with care. I never knew. She didnt have a nanny and went to Samil at an early age, so I thought she had been kicked out.

Same for you. He also warned me through you. To never even think of using Elder Sister Yona.

Oh Goodness, so thats what he intended.

Jins speculation was spot on.

Cyron purposefully called the three of them to one place for a reason.

Elder Sister Yona definitely has something. Seeing that Father reacted like this, it must be her special powers or something.

You also have a secret.

He remembered some of Yonas words.

I think she definitely has something big that shes hiding. But it isnt something to uncover right now. Realizing and addressing it is enough.

Organizing his thoughts, Jin nodded.

Now I just need to find opponents strong enough to break my new armor. I cant disappoint Father.

Phew, I only celebrated like a fool. I didnt know that such a reward would carry such heavy burdens

Jin smiled at Gilly.

No, its your job to be happy at these things.

One week later, Kashimir returned, and Jin and Enya prepared to embark for the Vermont Empire.

Kashimir looked dead from fighting the Black Seas monsters for a month.

However, feeling a little accomplished, his two eyes only glimmered.

Goodness, its been a while since Ive seen you, but you are leaving once again. I heard you are wiping out the remains of the Dark Magic Association?

My father gave me some homework to do. It seems that relaxing will be hard. Besides, did you forget anything?

Pardon? Forget anything?

You said you forgot something at the Vermont Empire, so you left for an entire month. You also emphasized that its something you needed to find on your own.

Jin asked as if he didnt know, and Kashimir cleared his throat.

Jin already knew that he left for the Black Sea at Cyrons request from the day he left.

Ah, ahhh! That, yes, I found it and stored it in Vankellas eternal storage room.

Hm, thats weird. I dont know why, but you reek of a pungent monster blood smell. And you said you went to the Holy Kingdom of Vankella I dont think they wouldve let you in.

Monsters blood, haha. Your jokes have improved over the years, Young Master. Anyway, Im worried for Enya.

Because of me?

Yes, that. Im sure you have stated that the Dark Magic Association was active in the southern region of the Vermont Empire. And that even though they are ravaging villages, the Vermont Imperial Family isnt doing anything.

Thats correct. I dont really understand why, so do you have any theories?

Hmmm The Vermont Empire is known for its security. Enough for normal pirates or bandits to immediately be dealt with by the defense forces. However, they intentionally refrain from intervening with stronger foes.

Why is that?

Theyre leaving them as the royals hunting game. I think the defense forces are leaving the Dark Magic Association alone so that the academy magicians can set achievements.

As much as Kashimir was a former prince of the Vermont Empire, he knew well about the inner workings of the nobles.

Im worried because of that. If Enya were to meet the nobles who bullied her, she might recall some unwanted memories.