Chapter Sixty-One
“—So, what do you want from me? Judging by your appearance, you’re not here to ask to join the subjugation, are you?”
The next morning. Early, as the dawn light shone down, I headed alone to the Adventurer’s Guild located in the center of the royal capital. I asked the receptionist-like person if there was someone named Amses, and after being told he was sitting on a chair in the corner, I immediately approached him.
“When we met before, you said your ability was precognitive, right?”
“Ah… I did mention that to you, didn’t I? But what about it? What does that have to do with anything?”
“I want you to use that ability to pinpoint the ‘Magician Hunter’s’ location.”
When I made my request, Amses’s eyebrow twitched slightly. It seemed to be an unexpected proposal for him.
“…Hmm. The ‘Magician Hunter’s’ location, you say. Certainly, as you said, I can predict and pinpoint his location. But what reason do I have to go to such lengths for you? There’s no merit for me whatsoever.”
“You said you were gathering people to counter the ‘Magician Hunter.’ In that case, wouldn’t my existence, someone trying to defeat the ‘Magician Hunter,’ be exactly what you’re looking for?”
Isn’t that a merit for you? I appealed, but Amses just chuckled and then gave me a wry smile.
“If you could actually defeat the ‘Magician Hunter,’ that would certainly be a merit. But you intend to challenge him in that battered state? You won’t stand a chance looking like that. You’ll just end up having your abilities stolen. In the worst-case scenario, I, the one who pinpointed his location, might become his target.”
It was allデメリットs and noメリットs. That’s why he couldn’t accept my proposal.
Amses’ words were perfectly logical.
…Although Sofia had mostly healed the wounds I sustained last night, I wasn’t fully recovered. She had merely alleviated the symptoms. I was at a loss for words, having been so easily seen through.
“Well, I’m guessing you were beaten up by the ‘Magician Hunter’ last night. You’re pretty badly injured. I can understand wanting revenge. So—”
Amses started speaking in a suggestive manner, but if he wasn’t going to tell me, I had no reason to press him. I had come here with no expectations. If it didn’t work out, I could just think of something else. Besides, it wasn’t as if Amses was the only person with such an ability.
Reaching that conclusion, I turned to leave.
“Ah, wait, wait! I said I wouldn’t tell you, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t tell you anything! So don’t jump to conclusions so quickly.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to be hated by that abnormal ‘Magician Hunter’ either. So, as an alternative, I’ll tell you about someone who might know his whereabouts.”
Of course, someone other than me.
He said with a meaningful chuckle.
“But as you probably already know, I can’t tell you for free. But don’t worry. I’m not asking you to join that subjugation I invited you to before. Just answer one question from me. That’s all. Isn’t that a great deal?”
“Understood.”
I nodded.
As long as I could learn the ‘Magician Hunter’s’ whereabouts, I didn’t care about anything else. So I decided to accept his offer.
“If you could change this country, what do you think would be the way to do it?”
…I had expected some kind of question, but this was unexpectedly large-scale. It was a question I had never even considered before. The context of our conversation was completely ignored.
“If you could change this rotten aristocratic society, what element would be the key?”
“I’m not very educated…”
“That doesn’t matter. Just tell me what you think, and that’s enough for me.”
He said, and I pondered.
Soon, for some reason, the face of a certain person came to mind.
It was the ‘Star Slayer.’
And that must have been my answer. That overwhelming power that had captivated me… must be the answer for me.
“—Pure strength, I think.”
“…Hee? Interesting. Go on.”
“Overwhelming power that can silence everything. Not just in this current society, but to change anything, strength is essential. That’s what I think.”
Of course, I was the one pursuing strength, but he didn’t seem interested in that.
However, Amses seemed satisfied with my answer. A smile played on his lips, revealing his teeth.
“Yes, that’s right. To change this rotten aristocratic society, as you said, there’s no other way than to use pure strength. Specifically, that would be the existence of magic.”
Magicians were overwhelmingly powerful beings.
I knew that better than anyone.
“So, if magicians were to rise up, perhaps… no, undoubtedly, the world would change. An era where bloodlines and authority become meaningless would arrive. As long as there’s a trigger, that is.”
…What was Amses trying to say to me?
“However, the ingrained notion that we mustn’t defy them is still deeply rooted. But when magicians all over the world realize that their blades can reach the nobles who abuse their power in this authority-based society, the world will change. Don’t you think so?”
…I see.
So he was saying that, which meant Amses probably held a grudge against the nobles.
And, though it was none of my business, he probably wanted to change the current situation.
However, something bothered me.
I felt an indescribable sense of discomfort in Amses’s words.
Perhaps because of that, I unconsciously furrowed my brow, but only for a moment.
“A friend of mine used to say that. I found it a bit puzzling, and it stuck with me, so I wanted to hear your opinion. Oh, of course, I have no ulterior motives.”
His disarming words that followed made me reconsider, thinking it might have been just a misunderstanding.
“Well, strength, huh. I thought someone your age would talk about discussion or something, but you have quite radical ideas behind that harmless face. No, I like it. I really like the words of someone who can clearly see reality.”
Was Amses satisfied with my answer?
He nodded with satisfaction, and then—
“So, the ‘Magician Hunter’s’ location, was it?”
“…Yes.”
The conversation returned to the main topic.
“Then you should ask the person who sent the ‘Magician Hunter’ flying. Ryuuzas definitely knows. He may look like just an old man, but he’s quite sharp. He’s probably preparing to lure him somewhere by now.”
“—”
My mind went blank.
How did you know that Ryuuzas used teleportation magic to send the ‘Magician Hunter’ flying? I wanted to ask. However, my mind was in a whirl, and I couldn’t find the right words immediately.
“If you participate in the subjugation, the question you have right now will be answered immediately.”
In other words, it was thanks to the ability of the magician near him.
“By the way, the subjugation is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, but what do you say? Have you changed your mind?”
“I have no intention of participating in the subjugation.”
I was planning to fight the ‘Magician Hunter’ myself. I didn’t have time for such things. So I refused without hesitation.
“I see. That’s a shame.”
I couldn’t understand why he kept inviting me.
It remained a mystery.
Even I thought it was strange, but since a large number of magicians were already participating, it wouldn’t make a difference whether Lilea and I were there or not. So why was he so insistent?
A lingering concern remained, but I turned my back on Amses and decided to leave.
“It truly… is a shame… Julius.”
For some reason, the words I heard as I left seemed to be filled with pity.
Or so I thought.
I’m so sorry for the long wait for an update!
I’ll probably start updating regularly again…!
Also, the “Star Slayer Swordsman” has been approved for a manga adaptation, and the project is currently underway. I plan to use the afterword to announce further details as soon as they are available.
And!
I’m also working on a new novel, so if you’d like, please check it out!! The link is posted below!
[Translator – Vine]
[Proofreader – Lust]
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