Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 128 (Part 2)

Elder Kendrick remained bound. His punishment could wait until after hearing Francis out.

“You’ll need to explain.”

“This conversation won’t benefit those below the 7th Circle. Silent.”

Francis cast a barrier that prevented sound from traveling in or out of their conversation.

“I’m ready to listen.”

Francis continued, “You’ve just reached the 7th Circle. You’ve become an Archmage. But an Archmage isn’t something beyond human; you’re still human.”

“I understand that.”

Rodin, despite his new power, didn’t think of himself as anything other than human. He bled when injured and slept when tired—just like anyone else.

“But you’re also different from your previous self—a reborn human, so to speak.”

“A reborn human… I’ve felt something similar.”

The feeling was difficult to describe to someone who hadn’t experienced it. Upon reaching the 7th Circle, Rodin felt like a new version of himself, distinct from who he was before.

“Your actions immediately after becoming an Archmage will define your character, inclinations, and future. It’s like how a child’s personality forms during their early years.”

“So, you’re saying killing that old man would warp my character?”

“Archmages who spilled blood right after their awakening became eccentric, without exception.”

“I see.”

Rodin had read numerous accounts of Archmages. Very few could be considered ordinary.

Mad, eccentric, unpredictable—these were common descriptors for 7th Circle Archmages.

“I hope you can remain a more normal and reasonable Archmage, which is why I intervened. However, if you’re willing to risk an eccentric personality, I won’t stop you.”

“Hah.”

“If it helps, should that man truly be guilty, I’ll deliver punishment myself.”

“Why would you go to such lengths?”

“If you act directly, not just him but every mage from Cedria Tower here will likely die.”

Francis misunderstood Rodin’s intent. While Rodin was furious, he hadn’t lost his reason. He planned to punish the guilty but not indiscriminately harm the innocent.

“That wasn’t my intention.”

“Is that so? In any case, I have a slight connection to Cedria Tower’s Tower Master. I’d like to avoid the worst-case scenario.”

Francis wanted to resolve this with minimal bloodshed. It would allow him to maintain his relationship with Cedria Tower’s Tower Master, Julian.

Of course, first, he needed to understand how things had escalated to this point.

Thud!

Rodin relented to Francis’s persuasion and released the magic binding Elder Kendrick.

The elder fell to the ground and grimaced as he stood up. He glared at Rodin briefly before turning to Francis with a pleading expression.

“Tower Master, I’ve been wronged. They attacked me without provocation.”

“And those children? Why are they in this state?”

“Well… uh… they’re thieves. They tried to steal from me, so I gave them a small punishment.”

“Hmm, Elder Kendrick, you should consider what an Archmage is capable of before speaking. They can discern truth from lies.”

Francis’s words silenced Kendrick.

Cedria Tower had never produced a 7th Circle mage in its history, not even in its centuries-long existence. In fact, they had only ever produced two 6th Circle mages. As a result, Elder Kendrick had no choice but to believe Francis’s words.

Of course, not all Archmages had the ability to discern truth from lies. Francis was merely bluffing to pressure Kendrick into speaking honestly.

“W-well, I… uh…”

“What’s the matter? Lost for words? Let me ask again—why did this happen? If you refuse to answer, I’ll have to ask the others behind you.”

Gulp!

Elder Kendrick swallowed hard, unable to utter a single coherent word. Even his attempts to offer an excuse were stifled, leaving him to nervously swallow his saliva.

“Hmm. I may not know the full details yet, but it’s clear enough—you’re at fault here.”

“That’s not… I didn’t… um…”

“If you have no meaningful response, then I suggest you stay quiet.”

Francis turned to the other mages and began questioning them individually. Under the immense pressure of a 7th Circle Archmage, none of them dared to lie or withhold the truth. They each recounted what they had seen and heard.

“Hah, even now, I still don’t fully understand. Elder Kendrick, why exactly did you seek out that mage in the first place?”

“I… well…”

“It seems you’ve suddenly become mute.”

“In that case, allow me to explain,” Rodin interjected.

Having cast the 7th Circle Absolute Recovery spell on Larry and Bianca once more and administered another potion to each of them, their conditions had improved significantly. Matthew, too, was nearly fully recovered and showed no visible signs of injury.

“Several months ago, when I was living in the Marquisate of Richmond, these people suddenly…”

Rodin described the events in detail, leaving nothing out or embellishing the story. He presented the truth as it had happened.

“So, Elder Kendrick, you kidnapped those children to steal magic spells and halt the production of artifacts. Is that correct?”

“Well, not exactly… it wasn’t quite like that…”

“When did Cedria Tower become a den of thieves? Have I misjudged Julian, or was this entirely your own decision?”

“I-I’m sorry, Tower Master. I have committed a grave sin. I acted out of greed, believing it to be in the best interest of our tower. I assure you, this was not an order from our Tower Master.”

Elder Kendrick finally abandoned his attempts to defend himself. The situation had progressed beyond the point where excuses could suffice. Now, all he could do was grovel in an attempt to save his life.

Fortunately for him, the situation hadn’t reached its worst-case scenario. While he was being vilified as the sole perpetrator, he could argue that his actions were motivated by excessive loyalty to Cedria Tower.