Following his mysterious descent into the world of Sehreneti Online, Daisuke had faced countless hardships—enough to teach him a cruel truth: ambition without power was nothing more than naïve idealism. Worse than that, it was outright foolish.
The Mhaledictus, in particular, had done their part in hammering that lesson into him.
The kingdoms of Sehreneti were already well aware of this truth. Royal blood might have given them a throne, but a crown without might held no weight. In a world saturated with magical power, sovereignty meant nothing unless it was backed by dominance—especially in the realm of magical technology.
In light of that fundamental fact, it was customary for each kingdom to have a magic tower rooted in its capital city, and this tower was always headed by an archmage. These wizened and formidable individuals bore many responsibilities, but their chief role was clear: they led the magical arms race, offered counsel, raw firepower, and political leverage to the royal family.
In Lunarel, the magic tower rivaled the size of the Luminal Obelisks. Rising just beyond the palace's stone keep, it loomed over the castle like a silent and omniscient sentinel.
Behind the outer ward, hidden in the manicured hedges lining the palace grounds, Daisuke crouched alongside Zephyr, Lumielle, and Lyndoria. Their gazes were fixed on two soldiers posted at the double gates leading to the tower.
"According to my father," Lumielle began, "archmages are said to be exceedingly clever and adept. They monitor the city constantly and possess a wealth of magical knowledge and power."
"The tower sits just behind the palace," Lyndoria added. "It's a strategic vantage point for high-tier siege magic in times of war. The close proximity also makes it easier to protect the royal family."
Daisuke raised a brow wearily. "If this archmage is as capable as everyone claims, then why haven't they done anything about the Mhaledictus?"
Lumielle pursed her lips, her eyes dimming. "That's exactly what we're here to find out."
***
"You know, Pat," one of the guards began, clearly bored out of his mind. "I was thinking…," he paused, glowering at the man who was evidently caught in daydream. "…Pat?"
Patrick heaved a lazy grin, his lips drooping in sultry way as he stared out into space. But a good whack upside the head had him grounded again in an instant.
"Wha—" he stammered, eyes darting around in alarm. "Are we under attack?"
"You crazy bastard," Oral chided. "Can't you get your wife out of your head for one minute? I'm trying to preserve my sanity here!"
Pat wiped the drool from his mouth. "What do you want that's more important than my Jenny?"
Oral grunted. "I was saying maybe we should just get a couple of chairs. You know, for days like these when it's just… dead quiet."
Pat adjusted his helmet with an exaggerated sigh. "Ah, but the old captain would have our heads if he caught us sitting down. He's all about the noble art of standing vigil." He waved a hand dramatically. "Said it builds character. Pfft, what's that even mean?"
Oral smirked. "I'll tell you what it means: it means we're too old for this nonsense. A chair would be a blessing right about now."
"Speak for yourself! I'm still spry as a fox!" Pat grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "But you're right… a chair wouldn't hurt."
Before either could continue their bickering, Pat paused mid-sentence. His eyes flitted around as he cocked his ear, listening to something faint. "Hey," he murmured, "you hear that?"
Oral squinted, then slowly shook his head. "What are you on about? I don't hear anything. Maybe it's your gyal, Jennifer."
"No, no, there it is again—almost like… a hum? It's soft… like a lullaby." His voice was barely audible, but his expression shifted from confusion to curiosity. He looked at his companion for confirmation, but Oral was already too distracted by the thought of leaving his post to fetch a chair.
"Just drop the excuses, Pat," Oral eventually scoffed. "You can scurry on back into your little fantasy with Jennifer if you'd like."
Before the man could retaliate, the hum swelled, as if it had been waiting for its cue. The air around them seemed to shimmer with it, and before Oral could react, he swayed on his feet, his eyelids fluttering. Without warning, he crumpled to the ground in a peaceful heap.
Pat's eyes widened, his hand jerking toward his sword. "Oi! What the—"
But it was already too late. The hum flooded his senses and with a soft groan, he too collapsed onto the stone pathway, utterly unaware of his descent into sleep.
Lyndoria and Daisuke wasted no time.
They darted forward, pulling the slumbering guards into the shadow of the nearby trees where they couldn't be seen.
"Took them long enough," Daisuke muttered a quiet curse under his breath as he dragged the heavier man into the cover of the bushes.
"Ops, sorry," Lyndoria apologized with a wry grin as she dropped the man's head a bit too unceremoniously on the ground.
"Rawrwu~" Zephyr didn't miss the chance to rebuke her.
Ignoring the detestable canine, the girl gave the guard an apologetic pat in the face—though it seemed more like a slap—before quickly hauling him farther into the shadows. "I didn't mean to drop him like that."
Daisuke gave a low chuckle, his eyes flicking between the unconscious bodies and the gates. "I'm sure he'll live. Let's move."
They quickly and quietly made their way toward the imposing structure. As they neared the tower, they exchanged glances, their voices a mere whisper.
"Well, that went smoothly," Daisuke muttered, raking his fingers through his hair.
"Kyuu~"
"Better than a fight," Lyndoria replied with a rare grin. "And, of course, we have the princess to thank for that."
Lumielle smiled, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm glad I was able to help."
Daisuke looked at her, impressed. "Nice work. I almost forgot that was a part of your arsenal."
Suddenly, the large door leading into the tower creaked open with a groan, the sound echoing through the stillness. Daisuke froze, staring into the void as his mind raced.
"Uh, I don't remember knocking."
Lyndoria squinted at the door, then glanced at the others. "Are we really just walking in? This feels like a trap."
Lumielle looked uneasy but determined. "There's only one way to find out. If they wanted to hurt us, they would have already made that point clear."
"…Fair enough," Daisuke replied with a shrug. "Let's see if this is a welcoming party or a setup."