Janet — Part 3
“Are you sure it’s the Sun Mage Tower? Did you check their insignia?”
“Well… I’m not entirely sure. But they were wearing Sun Mage Tower robes.”
Robes?
I crossed my arms and let out a derisive chuckle.
The mages of the Sun Mage Tower rarely wore robes.
Most of the time, they preferred checkered shirts and jeans, casually tossing on a coat or gown over it.
Even outside the Tower, they either dressed for comfort or wore formal suits adorned with the Sun Mage Tower badge.
‘It’s those bastards.’
The con artist mages who appeared in Janet’s personal quest.
They were skilled in fire magic but otherwise unimpressive. Even their base of operations was laughably weak—so weak that Janet, back then, had managed to escape them on her own and flee to the Colosseum.
“Tell them to wait in the lounge.”
“Yes, sir! I’ll escort them right away.”
The Iron Fist Gang member hurriedly ran toward the entrance.
Janet, who seemed to have overheard the conversation, bit her lower lip. Meanwhile, Baek Sorin gripped the handle of her sword tightly.
“Teacher! You’re not thinking of handing Janet over to them, are you?”
“Of course not.”
“I knew it! I knew you wouldn’t do something like that!”
Baek Sorin’s face lit up with a smile, but Janet still seemed uneasy.
“But… you said they’re from the Sun Mage Tower…”
“Don’t worry. I know a lot of people in the Sun Mage Tower.”
“Really?”
“Yes. For now, just wait in your room—”
No, that wasn’t the right move. It would be better for her to be present.
Janet had trauma tied to the mage towers. She had already mentioned how her parents died while she was escaping from one.
From what I knew, that mage tower was the very one responsible for conducting biological experiments on her—a fake mage tower whose true nature would be revealed later in her personal quest.
“Actually, you should come with me.”
“Me too?”
“Yes. Sorin, hold her hand and stay by her side. If those mages try anything funny, feel free to draw your sword and swing it around. Just don’t kill them.”
“Seriously? But they’re from the Sun Mage Tower, right?”
“That’s exactly why it’s fine. I really do know people there.”
“Okay, Teacher! I trust you!”
We headed to the lounge on the first floor of the Geonwoobong facility.
This was the same area where we had set up machine guns during the Cleaner Association’s attack.
As we waited, the doors burst open, and the mages strode in noisily.
“Ha! Who dares summon us like this?”
“S-sorry! Our boss is a bit busy, so…”
“This is an insult to our Tower!”
“You fools! Perhaps you need a taste of the Sun Flame to understand your place!”
“Master! We should teach these insolent fools a lesson!”
“Please spare my life!”
Three mages entered the room, all clad in pristine white robes.
On their chests, golden geometric patterns were embroidered to resemble a radiant sun.
To complete the illusion, golden energy radiated faintly from them, giving off an air of authority and grandeur.
The intangible waves of mana they emitted were so convincing that anyone unfamiliar with the Sun Mage Tower might easily fall for it.
But as I looked at them, I couldn’t help but laugh internally.
‘It’s definitely them.’
Just one look at their faces confirmed it.
The con artist mages from Janet’s personal quest.
What was their fake tower’s name again? It had something to do with fire, but it wasn’t worth remembering.
I rose naturally and greeted them.
“Good afternoon. I’m Warrior Kim, a Level 4 superhuman. I heard you wanted to see me?”
Now, let’s turn up the intimidation factor.
I released a surge of mana, radiating power throughout the lounge.
My aura was deep and heavy, filling the room like molten steel.
There was no need to activate an explicit intimidation trait. The intimidation factor embedded in Giant’s Strength, combined with the Einherjar Cultivation Technique and my Mana Core, was enough to create a suffocating presence.
The mages flinched, their composure shaken.
Among the three, one was Level 4, likely their leader, while the other two were Level 3.
They were weaker than me.
Even if I faced all three of them at once, I would win.
The Level 4 mage, who was likely the master of the other two, croaked like a crow.
“I am Jang Pilsoo, Senior Research Mage of the Tower. I hear you’ve detained my apprentice?”
Wrong.
No Level 4 mage could possibly hold the title of Senior Research Mage in the Sun Mage Tower.
The four great mage towers required a minimum of Level 5 to even be considered for such a title.
Like the mage who once sold me out and tried to kill me, only to be banished.
How could someone botch a lie so badly?
Then again, to someone who didn’t know any better, their appearance alone would be enough to sell the act.
I kept my expression neutral, feigning slight confusion.
“An apprentice, you say?”
“That child. That child there.”
Jang Pilsoo pointed at Janet, who grimaced at the attention.
Her body began trembling, and Baek Sorin quietly wrapped an arm around her shoulders to steady her.
I tilted my body slightly, crossing my arms.
“What are you talking about? You’re calling my apprentice your apprentice?”
“…What?”
“I told you. She’s my apprentice.”
“Nonsense! That child is mine!”
“Stop lying. I’ve already heard the full story. You haven’t taught her anything—not initiation rituals, not mana resonance, not even basic magical knowledge. How can you call her your apprentice? Don’t embarrass yourself. Just leave.”
Though my words were firm, I didn’t expect them to back down so easily.
And, predictably, Jang Pilsoo’s face turned red with rage as he shouted.
“Are you mocking our Tower?”
“I don’t see how this discussion is relevant to your Tower’s reputation. And if Janet really is your apprentice, show me proof. I’ve already accepted her as my apprentice, and I wouldn’t have done so without verifying the basics of a teacher-student relationship.”
“You must have forced her to become your apprentice! Recognizing her talent for yourself!”
“Look, just provide evidence. If you officially accepted her, she would be listed in your Tower’s records, right? She’d have a membership card as proof. Why are you yelling when something as simple as a membership certificate could clear this up?”
Of course, they couldn’t provide such evidence.
Falsely claiming to be part of the Sun Mage Tower and forging official documents were two entirely different levels of crime.
‘Then again, they might not have even directly claimed to be from the Sun Mage Tower.’
Not once had they explicitly referred to themselves as part of the Sun Mage Tower.
All they had said was “our tower.”
Even Jang Pilsoo had only introduced himself as a “Senior Research Mage of the Tower.”
The robes?
They could always argue it was just a fashion choice.
After all, the robes didn’t explicitly say “Sun Mage Tower” on them, even if their design was clearly inspired by it.
“Hmph, fine.”
Jang Pilsoo narrowed his eyes coldly.
“Kyunghoon, show him.”
“Uh… Master? Do we really need to?”
“He’s demanding proof, so we’ll show him. Do you think we can let him keep treating us like con artists?”
“Understood.”
The mage, now identified as Kyunghoon, reluctantly pulled a folder from his bag.
A contract.
The contents were simple enough.
[…
Fleming Verdier hereby permanently relinquishes guardianship over Janet.
Jang Pilsoo, Mage of the Sun, pledges to educate Janet with the utmost sincerity.
Jang Pilsoo, Mage of the Sun, will guide Janet to grow as a full-fledged mage.
Janet will officially be affiliated with the tower where Jang Pilsoo, Mage of the Sun, belongs.
The tower will hold full authority over Janet’s loyalty and her life or death.
The tower will compensate Level 3 Superhuman Go Junbeom with 5 billion won, and Go Junbeom will transfer the compensation to Fleming Verdier.
Fleming Verdier will ensure Janet is delivered to Level 3 Superhuman Go Junbeom without fail.]
A modified human trafficking contract.
Nowhere in the contract was Janet’s consent mentioned.
All it bore was the signature of her legal guardian and biological uncle, Fleming Verdier.
I let out a derisive laugh and waved the contract in the air.
“You think this piece of paper holds any legal power?”
“Hah! A piece of paper? This document is officially notarized by a lawyer!”
“Let’s put aside the whole ‘loyalty’ nonsense for a moment. ‘Full authority over life and death’? What is this, the Joseon Dynasty? This is illegal. Personal contracts don’t override the law. Unless this was signed directly with a god, the law always comes first.”
“You…”
Jang Pilsoo reached out to snatch the contract from me.
Not a chance.
The moment he presented it to me, it became mine.
I swiftly tucked the contract into my coat, and Jang Pilsoo scowled.
“Are you toying with me?”
“You’re the one playing games. Where’s Janet’s signature on this? Oh, look, it’s not here.”
“This contract was made with her legal guardian!”
“And you think being her guardian gives him carte blanche? A guardian still can’t infringe on the rights or body of their ward.”
“You clearly don’t understand. That child has serious health issues. We’re the only ones who can provide the treatment she needs!”
“Oh, so this was for medical purposes? Then we can annul the contract, since Janet’s already healthy now.”
What a weak excuse.
Con artists always excel at coming up with nonsense like this.
Jang Pilsoo’s body trembled, but he didn’t dare lash out.
It was likely because of the overwhelming mana waves I’d been emitting since earlier.
He must have realized that if he fought me head-on, he would lose.
“There will be no annulment! This matter has already been reported to the Tower Master! The administrative process is just delayed, but that child is already a member of our tower!”
“So where’s the official documentation? And how does someone become a member of the tower without even completing the initiation ritual? Are you saying your tower grants membership just through a report? Since when has the Sun Mage Tower become such a lax organization? Oh, wait a second… Now that I think about it, the tower’s name isn’t even on the contract. Are you sure you’re really from the Sun Mage Tower? Or are you just a bunch of con artists?”
“Con artists?!”
Jang Pilsoo shot to his feet, conflict flashing in his eyes.
He was clearly debating whether to run or double down on his lies.
Well, I’d give him a little push.
I stood up as well, glaring at him as I let my aura explode outward.
My hand rested on the hilt of the Black Tiger Sword, gripping it as if I were ready to draw at any moment.
[Drawing]
Switching to this trait, my presence became razor-sharp.
Jang Pilsoo’s face turned ghostly pale, and his disciples were no different.
All of them stood less than a meter away from me—a distance where mages were completely at the mercy of warriors.
“Answer me honestly.”
I lowered my voice to a growl.
“Are you or are you not affiliated with the Sun Mage Tower? Yes or no.”
Gulp.
Jang Pilsoo swallowed nervously.
“I am Jang Pilsoo, Mage of the Sun…”
“I don’t care about your nickname. Just answer the question. Are you part of the Sun Mage Tower or not? Do I need to repeat myself?”
I drew my sword.
Flash!
A brilliant light flared as the blade cut through the air.
The sound of slicing wind echoed, followed by the drip of blood.
Jang Pilsoo’s eyes widened in shock.
Blood trickled down his neck—a shallow cut made by the Black Tiger Sword.
His disciples cried out in panic.
“Master!”
“This… this barbaric warrior!”
“How dare you?!”
Yet none of them dared act.
Not a single one mustered the courage to channel their mana.
Meanwhile, Janet was trembling violently.
“Teacher? What if they really are from the Sun Mage Tower?”
“Don’t worry.”
I grinned, baring my teeth like a predator that had just tasted blood.
“I told you, I know a lot of people in the Sun Mage Tower. I’m certain these guys aren’t from there. If they really were, do you think I’d be acting like this? I would’ve called someone I know first.”
“Ugh!”
Hearing my words, Jang Pilsoo’s face twisted, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.
“You say you know someone in the Sun Mage Tower?”
“That’s right.”
Finally, it seemed we could have a proper conversation.
I sheathed my sword and gestured with my chin.
“Sit down.”
Jang Pilsoo hesitated but eventually sat, though his eyes remained filled with doubt.
He was clearly wondering if my claim about knowing someone in the Sun Mage Tower was just a bluff.
If that’s the case, I’d have to show him some proof.
I pulled out my smartphone and scrolled through old photos.
‘Thanks to the trend-savvy Tower Master, this will come in handy.’
I opened a selfie and tossed my phone to him.
Jang Pilsoo caught it reflexively, and the moment he looked at the screen, his eyes widened.
His whole body began to tremble.
“Well? Do you still not believe me?”
“T-this… This is…”
“That’s right. The Tower Master of the Sun Mage Tower. How do you think he’d feel if I told him there’s a Level 4 mage running around in ridiculous robes, calling himself a Mage of the Sun?”
“Ugh!”
Jang Pilsoo collapsed backward in shock.
“Master!”
“Are you alright?”
“Snap out of it!”
The other mages hurried to help him back up.
After some time, Jang Pilsoo finally regained his senses. He looked up at me with a face full of despair before dropping to his knees with a heavy thud.
“I-I’m sorry! We were wrong!”
“And what exactly are you apologizing for?”
“For daring to impersonate the Sun Mage Tower, for acting arrogantly in front of a superhuman who is acquainted with the Tower Master!”
“You should apologize to her, too.”
“I’m sorry! We have committed an unforgivable crime! Out of greed for a talented disciple, we tried to abduct your student and claim her guardianship for ourselves!”
Jang Pilsoo bowed his head to the floor repeatedly, so hard that the ground echoed with dull thuds and blood splattered with each strike.
The other mages followed suit, slamming their heads against the floor as if their lives depended on it.
The mere mention of the Sun Mage Tower Master had sent them into a blind panic, driving them to grovel like their lives were on the line.
But they didn’t truly understand their crime.
Just look at Janet’s face.
It was frozen in an expression of stone-cold anger.
Her parents had died because of these people. Did they think banging their heads on the floor would earn her forgiveness?
Even if these three—and every single one of their so-called tower members—came out and committed mass suicide, it wouldn’t be enough to make up for what they’d done.
Should I just kill them all?
No.
Revenge is Janet’s right, not mine.
This was the beginning of her personal quest, which would ultimately reward her with the Nephilim Sword.
The quest that would end with us delving into the Great Labyrinth to hunt demons.
In a calm voice, I said,
“You didn’t outright claim to be part of the Sun Mage Tower, and I’m not officially part of the Tower myself, so I could let this slide.”
“Thank you! Thank you! Your generosity and mercy are beyond words! Thank you! Thank you!”
Jang Pilsoo’s voice trembled as he practically screamed his gratitude.
The other mages chimed in, chirping their thanks like desperate birds.
But as the saying goes, you should always listen until the end.
I looked down at Jang Pilsoo, my eyes glinting dangerously.
“But… you don’t expect me to let you off for free, do you? Surely, you understand that.”
“Of course! Absolutely! We’ll compensate you, no, we’ll make reparations! To your student, to you, we’ll offer the best compensation we can provide!”
“Good. You seem to understand me well. If you show your sincerity, I’ll consider this matter resolved and let it go.”
“Thank you! Thank you!”
But let’s see if they’ll still be thanking me after hearing what I want.
Jang Pilsoo smiled faintly, the kind of weak smile someone gives when they think they’ve narrowly avoided drowning by clinging to a lifeline.
“My conditions are simple.”
Jang Pilsoo looked at me, his pupils shaking with nervousness.
And then I laid it out.
“Hand over your Diamonds.”
His eyes widened in shock.
I grinned.
“By carving them out of your mana circuits.”
–TL Notes–
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Damn so the Sun Mage Tower catching stray