Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 29 (Part 1)

There are some things you can know without experiencing them firsthand. The war with the Ingram Empire was one such case.

Rodin was convinced that if war broke out, they would lose with 100% certainty.

He was just hoping the kingdom would survive. In the worst case, some of the states in the 13-nation alliance might be annexed.

“Ingram Empire’s civil war has finally ended. Soon a new emperor will ascend to the throne.”

“I heard from the instructors that they’ve already started preparing for war.”

“Even so, they can’t start a war immediately. The civil war was quite long, and they suffered heavy losses. They can replenish their numbers with conscription, but it will take time to train them into elite soldiers. The 13-nation alliance will prepare thoroughly in response.”

He seemed to want to say that the 13-nation alliance’s strength shouldn’t be underestimated.

It seemed overly optimistic, but Rodin didn’t bother to argue.

“If our hidden forces step in under such evenly matched circumstances, we can win.”

Hidden forces? It was possible. Rodin, as a mere trainee, had no idea what weapons the 13-nation alliance had prepared.

But just knowing that the Ingram Empire was preparing for war made the outcome predictable.

Unlike a mere trainee from a special forces training school, the Ingram Empire would have much more information. Their confident preparation for war meant they were sure of victory.

Moreover, with similar forces, the centralized command of the Ingram Empire had an absolute advantage.

The image of the well-coordinated Ingram Empire moving in unison, compared to the chaotic 13-nation alliance, came vividly to mind.

“Yes, we need to work harder.”

“You are the most promising talent in the training center.”

“I know.”

There were trainees with higher magical talent scores than Rodin, but none could match him in actual magical duels. Even among the first and second classes, there were no trainees who could fight on par with him.

“I expect you to play a significant role in the war with the Ingram Empire. You could be the hidden dagger that strikes them.”

“I will do my best.”

He didn’t like the term “hidden dagger.”

It implied he would be hidden until the end, and others would take all the glory.

“I’m worried about the aftermath of the war. Even if we win, our kingdom’s strength will have waned. If another power emerges then, it could be dangerous.”

“Another power? Are you worried about a war within the 13-nation alliance?”

“Have you ever heard the word ‘Slabon’?”

“No. This is the first time. Is it a high-level magic?”

It was an unfamiliar term. He hadn’t seen it in the library.

But there was a similar-sounding word in the runic language.

It meant “to follow” or “to inherit.”

“Then do you know the term ‘Ballis Nova’?”

“That too… It sounds like ‘birthing a new star.’ It’s an odd name for a magic, though.”

Ballis also had a similar pronunciation in the runic language.

Ballis was used when birthing a baby or creating a new treasure for posterity. Nova meant divine or star.

“Of course, it’s not magic. Slabon and Ballis Nova are names of organizations. They chase after the legacy of the ancient magical empire.”

“Are they the same organization?”

“No, they are different. I don’t know the difference between them. It’s not even certain they exist. The committee members and instructors treat them as back-alley conspiracy theories.”

There were countless conspiracy theories. Even though Rodin had never been to the back alleys, he knew a few.

There was talk of the Demon King manipulating human wars from behind the scenes. Or that dragons were behind the four great magic towers. There was even talk that a single person destroyed the once mighty magical empire.

There were all sorts of conspiracy theories. Naturally, they were not credible stories.

“Do you believe they really exist?”

“I saw it. Three 7th-circle mages meeting with dozens of 6th-circle mages. They mentioned Slabon in their conversation.”

“Hmm.”

Rodin found it more surprising that other committee members didn’t believe it. It seemed like a perfectly believable story.

He too had read about the ancient magical empire and wanted to find their magic, their legacy.

If he weren’t tied down here, or if there were clear, credible evidence, he would have sought out traces of the magical empire.

“I want you to become a 7th-circle mage somehow. So that Slabon or Ballis Nova would consider the Riyaz Kingdom formidable.”

“I think you will become a 7th-circle mage first, Chairman.”

“No, it’s too late for me. I’m trying to find the path, but it remains elusive.”

The 3rd, 5th, and 7th circles were special stages for a mage. It wasn’t just about accumulating magical power; enlightenment was necessary.

Enlightenment could be ordinary or extraordinary.

It could be a heartfelt conversation with a neighbor or knowledge found in a book. Deep insight into humanity or contemplation of the world could lead to enlightenment.

Lately, Chairman Kreate was trying to find enlightenment by letting go. He was striving to let go of greed and return what he had to the world.

Rodin had heard such explanations from Chairman Kreate. He thought to himself, “What a foolish method.”

To Rodin, striving to do something for enlightenment seemed like an obsession.

The act of “striving to let go” and the act of “striving to return things to the world” seemed to push enlightenment further away.

“I could be wrong.”

Rodin didn’t share his thoughts with Chairman Kreate. For a mere 3rd-circle mage to advise a 6th-circle mage was absurd.

“Cheer up. I’m sure you can do it, Chairman.”

“Haha, I hope so. It’s getting late. Time for dinner?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go then. I enjoyed our conversation today.”

Not at all. Most of the time, Chairman Kreate talked, and Rodin gave short replies. It wasn’t a conversation; it was a lecture.

Chairman Kreate walked away slowly and disappeared.

That was the last time Rodin saw Chairman Kreate.

Not long after they parted, rumors spread that Chairman Kreate had died. The reported date of death was the same day he had met Rodin.

A few days after the rumors started, the instructors officially announced Chairman Kreate’s death.

It was said to be natural causes due to old age. He had gone to bed as usual and didn’t wake up the next day.

It wasn’t surprising considering his age. He was 87 years old. Even for a mage, that was a long life.

The royal family sent an official condolence delegation. Committee members from the special forces training center attended the funeral incognito.

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