Chapter 75 – Invitation (3)
Qi, magic power, divine power.
The oppressive force that stems from these three is not a physical entity.
It is merely presence, suppressing the opponent's mind and even weighing down the body.
Thus, it is more than enough to subdue the weak-minded, but has little effect when it comes to intimidating those who have reached a higher level.
Lake was one of those strong ones, and he had faced countless other strong individuals until now.
Among them were Magi who had reached the pinnacle of the way of magic, and swordsmen who could cleave boulders the size of a house with aura blooming from their fingertips.
The wall that most people despair at, unable to surpass. Those who crossed such a wall were never easy opponents, yet in the end, it was Lake who emerged victorious.
But even he could not help but be taken aback.
'What is this sensation.'
It was like the sea.
The oppressive force of magic power that enveloped his entire body could be resisted. But, through that mana pressure, the depth he had felt for a single moment was far too strange.
Even Lake could not gauge the bottom.
'...His vessel is different.'
Perhaps, among all the Mages he had met, this one possessed the greatest potential.
Of course, it could be a mistake. Even Lake was not free of error.
But this Mage called Asher, at the very least, was without doubt different from the countless so-called geniuses scattered across the world.
Lake swallowed his breath and let out a faint smile.
'That is nothing short of a perfect proof.'
No matter what he did, nothing could surpass this.
Whether His Majesty the King of Arms would embrace him, merely form a favorable relationship, or cut him down before the sprout could grow, he did not know, but it was certainly an unexpected harvest.
With this, Lake's task was done.
He had faithfully carried out His Majesty's command, so there was no reason to waste time further.
The proof ended here.
Lake slowly drew up his qi.
In the tranquil sea of magic power, massive ripples surged forth, and the oppressive mana pressing upon him was pushed away in all directions.
***
Two different forces of nature collided.
The air around them shook, and soon the dining table and teacups shattered, while the garden's grass scattered under the pressure.
Verden fixed his gaze on Lake.
'Mana pressure has no effect whatsoever.'
It was on a whole other level compared to when he had intimidated Listener back in the resort city, yet it didn't work at all. Not only that, but the mana he was exerting was pushed back instead.
So this was the captain of the King of Arm's personal knight order.
He hadn't even gone all out, but the most he could manage was to slightly shake the man's expression.
Indeed, unless there was a vast difference in power, simply pressing down with mana quantity was nothing but a waste of magic power.
Anyway.
"Is this enough proof?"
"More than enough, overflowing even."
It seemed there was no longer any need to go outside and use magic.
As Verden and Lake simultaneously drew back their mana and qi, the suffocating pressure slowly dissipated.
Just then, someone flew in from the air and intruded into the garden.
"Captain! Are you alright?!"
The female Mage in silver armor, who had glared at Verden when they left the mansion.
Sensing the unusual clash of powers, she must have hurriedly used flight to rush here. Following her, Bastio's knights and Count Rodenmeyer's knights arrived, each checking the safety of their captain or count.
Among them, Bastio's knights had their hands on their weapons, clearly showing their wariness toward Verden.
Lake spoke.
"There is no problem, Cayne. I only had something to confirm."
"...Understood."
The female Mage called Cayne withdrew her magic power.
At the same time, the knights also removed their hands from their weapons.
"My apologies for the disturbance, Count Rodenmeyer. And you as well, Asher. Still, fortunately, it seems we've covered almost everything we needed to discuss. So then, when do the two of you wish to depart for the capital? If possible, late tonight or early tomorrow would be best."
At that, the count looked toward Verden.
An unspoken look, suggesting they depart tomorrow, was conveyed.
"...Tomorrow, then."
"Good. Let us set out tomorrow."
Verden nodded.
Thus the meal ended. After bowing his head politely to Lake and the count, he passed the knights with an expressionless face and returned to his chamber in the mansion.
Watching his back, Count Rodenmeyer lowered his gaze.
The table was shattered, and the teacup he had been holding now had only its handle remaining. The result of Verden and Lake's powers colliding.
Yet he was not displeased.
The count tossed the handle aside, while Lake gave a small nod of apology.
"My apologies. I caused damage unintentionally. I will compensate..."
"That one is mine."
"...What?"
"The victory in this event's match belongs to me."
But already, Lake's words were no longer reaching the count's ears.
Eyes glistening with greed. Count Rodenmeyer, with a low laugh, stepped lightly back toward the mansion.
It had truly been a long time since Lake had seen him look so pleased, and he scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Is it really that delightful? Well, at that level, unless someone like the Bloodstained Sword appears, first place is guaranteed."
"Do you truly believe that young man subdued the Soul Tree? No matter how I see it, I cannot believe it."
Cayne, standing beside him, asked.
Lake folded his arms and nodded in understanding.
"He does look rather young, doesn't he?"
"All of them, actually."
If their actual ages matched their faces, they should just now be grasping magic and slowly applying it to real combat. Yet he had already far surpassed that stage, to the point of subjugating a monster on par with a special-class entity.
Even for a genius, this strayed far beyond common sense.
"That is why I believe more precise verification is necessary. The other comrades think the same."
Cayne clenched her fist.
As if they were ready to begin a magic duel with Verden at a single command, Lake glanced over his subordinates and nodded.
However, the words that came out of his mouth were the opposite.
"I understand, but no, we were ordered by His Majesty to bring that Mage safely, I cannot permit any form of conflict. And... the verification has already been more than sufficient."
"Yes?"
"So, set aside needless concerns and prepare to depart tomorrow without delay. If there are any lacking supplies, request them from the count's house in advance. That is all, dismissed."
At the captain's order, the knights reluctantly withdrew.
Their eyes lingered resentfully on the spot where Verden had disappeared. It seemed, as a fellow Mage, they simply could not accept it.
Seeing her expression, Lake thought to himself.
Cayne was strong.
Earth and water. She had awakened both elements up to the 5th tier. Though she had reached the measured limit tier, she still had room to grow.
And beyond that, through countless battles and training, she had accumulated experience, making her far stronger than most elemental Mages of the same tier.
'But could she defeat Asher?'
To his knowledge, Asher's tier was 4th.
Though there was a whole tier difference, it was impossible to hastily conclude who would emerge victorious. For it was certain that he had already far exceeded what a typical 4th-tier Mage was.
And with variables always existing, it was never easy to predict the outcome with imagination alone.
Yet, Lake's instincts had already leaned toward one side.
Toward Asher, who had already stepped into the ranks of the strong despite not having fully bloomed his boundless potential. If Cayne were to hear this, she would surely flare up in anger, claiming victory for herself.
'If even my subordinates distrust him like this, how will the nobles react?'
He didn't even need to see.
Asher would attract attention, and suspicion.
Nobles driven by curiosity would seek to test him. Deceived by his youthful and handsome appearance, unable to recognize the depth hidden within.
Surely, the great event would erupt into chaos.
'His Majesty will be pleased.'
***
The next morning.
Having finished preparations, Verden departed the mansion with Count Rodenmeyer and the knights of Rodron, following Lake's lead.
Verden mounted a warhorse from the Bastio Knights. Being a superior breed and specially trained, its speed nearly rivaled that of flight.
Before long, they arrived at the place where the airship was docked.
'Up close, it's massive.'
Large enough to carry several hundred with ease.
The defensive magic circles engraved everywhere were no ordinary work. And at the center of the airship, a vast reaction of magic power could be felt.
No doubt, the magic stone powering it.
Even the magic tower possessed airships, but their docks were separate, so a mere underling like Verden had never been given the chance to approach one.
In his whole life, he had only ever seen them floating in the sky, so standing here now was a new experience.
As Verden's eyes gleamed, Lake approached him.
"This ship is called 'Recede.' It was given that name because it is the fastest among the airships owned by the principality."
"That explains why there are so many magic circles for impact protection."
"Oh, you can read magic circles as well? Truly a versatile Mage. You seem to have great interest in airships, if you wish, Cayne here will guide you."
"...What? Me?"
Cayne, who was standing beside them, blinked.
"Or should I, the captain, do it myself?"
"That would... not be appropriate."
"Then it is settled. Once we depart, kindly guide Verden thoroughly. Men, all aboard!"
The crew moved with perfect order.
Not a single item was left behind as everything was loaded onto the airship, and everyone ascended onto the deck. Once Verden, Count Rodenmeyer, and the rest had boarded, a massive magic stone as large as a house activated.
As magic power flowed into the magic circle acting as the engine, the Recede slowly began to ascend.
Whoooong.
Before long, they had risen above the clouds. Then, speed quickly built up.
They passed swiftly through the surrounding clouds, yet thanks to the magic circles, none of those on board felt even the slightest gust of wind or shock.
At that moment, Count Rodenmeyer stepped forward a few paces.
Then, he carefully brushed the wall at its center.
"It has been since the time we gained independence from the Kingdom of Estiria that I last rode the Recede. I believe I was standing around here then."
"I was on the opposite side. You, with your ragged appearance, clutching your sword and leaning dazedly against the wall. What, are you suddenly feeling nostalgic?"
"Ha, nostalgic? Hardly. The Recede was half-destroyed, we nearly plummeted straight to the ground. Frankly, I would rather not even recall it."
"Everyone aboard the Recede felt the same way back then. Of course, I was no different. Still, even if we returned to the past, I would have made the same choice."
Count Rodenmeyer and Lake conversed with each other.
From the context, it seemed they were recalling the independence of the Duchy of Riviant 22 years ago. A past that neither Verden, nor even Cayne, knew much about.
While they spoke pleasantly, Lake turned his head back.
"I shall continue talking with the count for a while. Cayne?"
"...Yes, captain."
With Lake and the count walking off, Cayne and Verden were left alone at the corner of the deck.
In the awkward air, Cayne let out a small sigh.
"I will guide you as the captain ordered. Follow me."