Chapter 195 — A Powerful Enemy Lurks at the End of Daily Life

1

Kael and Manus spent a truly happy day together.

They shared snacks from street vendors and watched street performances.

They tried on pretty accessories together and strolled through the market.

The medieval era.

Though not as much as modern times, there were plenty of sights to see and things to enjoy.

Manus didn’t know this world deeply either.

He only knew what happened in the original story and what was described there.

‘This is more fun than I expected.’

He thought it wouldn’t be bad to come out to the city to play occasionally.

Kael seemed satisfied with the day too, continuously blooming with smiles.

After spending such a joyful day, the sun had already set and night had fallen.

There were still many holidays left.

Kael looked at Manus and brought up what they would do during the holidays.

The rest period was now over.

After taking a good break, she sensed they needed to climb the tower again.

“Are you thinking of climbing the tower again from tomorrow?”

“We should. I’m planning to defeat the second Apostle.”

“The one who turned Assistant Chesthip into a demon…”

Manus nodded.

The two sat on a bench, feeling the moisture-laden wind.

May.

The weather was still cool, and the city’s night view was incredibly beautiful.

Kael clenched both hands tightly.

During the first Apostle, Manus had faced a near-death crisis.

What would happen with the second Apostle?

She couldn’t even imagine how they would be tormented this time.

“Sometimes I’m… terribly afraid someone might die.”

“Me too. If someone dies… it would be really painful.”

“Is that why you told us not to hate each other?”

Something like that.

Manus readily agreed.

So Kael too was fighting fear every day, every time they climbed the tower.

The same must be true for the others.

The two remained silent for a while.

As they quietly spent time feeling the wind, they heard footsteps approaching.

Finally, they’re here.

Manus saw two people approaching from afar.

Anais and Pearson.

“Did you enjoy sightseeing?”

“Ah, Senior.”

“Did you two have a good date? The city does have lots to see, doesn’t it?”

“You two seemed to be having plenty of fun yourselves.”

Manus retorted with a smirk.

Pearson gave an embarrassed smile.

Anais turned her head away with a red face.

Was she uncomfortable or embarrassed about being caught walking with Pearson?

It didn’t seem to be discomfort.

A strange shyness came through.

“Have you been watching us? Since when?”

“Since the academy.”

“Eh…”

Pearson’s expression showed he had no idea.

He knew Manus had good eyes, but he never expected him to spot them even while using invisibility magic.

Anais scolded Pearson with a sharp voice from beside him.

“See, what did I tell you? I said it would be better for us to play alone for later!”

“You’re right, I never thought he’d be watching from the start…”

The two naturally took seats on the bench.

As all four gathered to chat, they sensed another presence.

Turning their heads, they saw Melanie and Alano climbing the hill together, having met somewhere.

“Oh, everyone’s gathered here?”

“Anais, Pearson, you’re here too.”

Everyone who had been in the city had gathered.

As if by appointment, they had all come to the hill overlooking the city.

This worked out well.

Manus stood up and looked at everyone.

“Did you all rest well?”

When he spoke gravely, a strange tension circulated.

They must know too.

Now that they’d rested, it was time to climb the tower again.

The sweet break was over.

Manus watched everyone’s expressions grow serious and spoke.

There was something to achieve in this climb.

“Since we have time, I want to try catching Andrea this time. What do you all think?”

“I agree.”

“Two moons will rise soon. We need to get stronger by then.”

Perhaps because they had all rested, their fighting spirit seemed to be overflowing.

They felt it too.

The full moon watching them from above.

The eye called the God’s pupil would soon bloom fully.

“Then, from tomorrow evening through the holidays, we’ll climb the tower. I’d like you to relay this to Senior Nia and Guillermo.”

“I’ll tell Senior Nia.”

“I’ll tell Guillermo. Well then, I hope everyone prepares well.”

Looking at the moonlight, everyone steeled their resolve.

Andrea.

Though she had used various tactics, every one of them had failed.

Having experience breaking her tactics, their confidence had risen accordingly.

It was time to ride this momentum and subjugate Andrea.

Everyone turned to look at the two moons.

It was time to store up as much power as possible for the calamity that would soon come.

2

That evening, Manus visited Guillermo’s room.

The blonde guardian was covered in beads of sweat, having been absorbed in training today as well.

His consistent diligence was something even Manus respected.

The real Manus hadn’t been able to make steady efforts like Guillermo.

“What brings you here?”

“How are you feeling? We’re planning to climb the tower throughout the holiday starting tomorrow. We’re going to catch an Apostle.”

“I couldn’t be better.”

“I’ll take that as agreement. We’ll be staying for a long time. Bring as many supplies as you need.”

Guillermo nodded in agreement.

One day.

They would climb after thorough preparation.

It was time to drive magic into Andrea’s mask.

Guillermo seemed to have bought a new shield, as he was continuously maintaining it.

Apparently he received support from his family.

Anyway, with Guillermo’s agreement, tomorrow would finally be time to catch an Apostle.

“Then, I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

“Right.”

The two parted ways and headed to their respective rooms.

Returning to his room, Manus spoke to Aden who had returned through the shadows after finishing all her tasks.

Maids had lots to do even on holidays, so she must have had a very busy day too.

“Aden, are you there?”

“Yes. I’m standing by.”

“You worked hard today too.”

“Not at all. I only supervised management.”

Aden smiled gently and naturally sat on the sofa.

The room was larger than even a luxury hotel.

It wasn’t small enough for one person’s casual behavior to be disruptive.

Seeing her naturally preparing drinks, Manus spoke.

“I’d like to borrow your hand for this climb.”

“Of course. I would give my life for Young Master’s orders.”

“That’s not what I mean, but I’d like to request minimal protection.”

“Understood. Should I act like before?”

“Yes.”

Aden smiled gently.

With her there, they could at least block surprise attacks.

They would need thorough preparation to hunt an Apostle.

Manus was wary of the same desperate patterns as last time.

Taking Aden as a final insurance.

In the absolute worst case, someone might need to sacrifice themselves.

‘Though in terms of potential, the kids are actually higher.’

Manus knew.

The world had twisted considerably, and characters who were enemies had turned to their side.

Though Aden appeared as a complete character, you never know.

She too might break through her walls.

“Then, I’ll take my leave now. Have a good night.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Aden slipped out through the shadows.

Lying down, Manus thought about Andrea from the original story.

She had low health but continuously erected barriers.

She was one who forced area magic and area healing due to constant waves of attacks.

At the kids’ current level, they should be able to handle it without difficulty.

Having put in the effort, they should be able to walk forward on their own.

‘This one too, soon…’

Albion, curled up sleeping beside him, was also due for growth.

Something a summoner could know instinctively.

By this point, Phoenix too must be approaching time for evolution.

‘Next was the desert?’

A battlefield of pure power struggles awaited.

The desert where only powerful warriors appeared, like a boss rush somewhere.

Phoenix’s recovery abilities would have tremendous value there.

He closed his eyes.

As he organized the chaotically intertwined information, morning had come before he knew it.

3

The next day.

Having prepared sufficient supplies, Manus sought out Black and White ahead of the appointed time.

To learn 5th-Class ancient magic and black magic.

And to craft items needed for dealing with Andrea.

They stood up from the board game they had been playing intensely.

Manus, the benefactor who had relieved their boredom and tedium.

As soon he entered, White welcomed him with a bright expression.

“Hey, long time no see? Thought you were dead, but guess not.”

“I’ve been busy in my own way. Have you gotten used to the games?”

“Yeah, we’re enjoying them. So what brings you here today?”

Manus stated his business with a gentle smile.

What other reason would he have for coming here?

“I came to learn magic. And to make tools for catching an Apostle.”

“Oh… you’re already catching Apostles?”

“That’s how it turned out.”

White looked at Black with eyes questioning if this wasn’t too early.

Black, who had been quietly watching Manus until now, nodded to allay White’s concerns.

He spoke.

“It should be fine. Truly… amazing growth.”

“That much?”

“Yes. You should be able to use 6th-Class magic without difficulty now, right?”

“I could probably manage it once, at least.”

Though he couldn’t use it independently yet without complete knowledge, he would be able to soon.

Black and White clicked their tongues at Manus showing such results in just two months.

“Amazing. Maybe… nevermind. So, what do you need?”

“5th-Class ancient magic, [Explosio]. And ten [Fire Orbs].”

“Fire Orbs… I’ll make them right away.”

Black disappeared, and White approached Manus.

[Explosio]

Magic that drops a non-elemental meteor of exploding mana.

It was magic with the [Sure Hit] effect, as its speed was too fast to see and dodge.

“5th-Class ancient magic… it’ll be quite difficult. Watch carefully and follow along.”

“Yes.”

Crackle-

A brilliant magic circle extended from White’s hand.

Manus inwardly marveled at how effortlessly she used 5th-Class magic.

Complex and sacred.

Within the magic circle resembling Orion’s constellation, countless line segments’ combinations and mana distributions were melded together.

Manus quietly analyzed and deconstructed the magic circle one by one.

He understood the concentration and properties of mana contained in the line segments and adjusted to be able to reproduce it perfectly.

“I’ve got it.”

“Oh, already?”

“I’ve glimpsed fragments of higher realms.”

Crackle-crackle-

When Manus extended both hands, the Orion magic circle formed in an instant.

When he breathed mana into it, the magic circle began resonating perfectly.

White clapped like a seal.

“Ooh, I didn’t expect you to master up to 5th-Class this quickly! Amazing.”

“It’s nothing special.”

“Who was the second Apostle again, Andrea?”

White even knew the Apostle’s name.

It made one wonder what her true identity was.

But instead of curiosity, Manus only showed agreement.

At that moment, Black returned with a small pouch.

“Here, I’ve made them all.”

Manus’s preparations were complete.

–TL Notes–
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