Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 93 (Part 2)

He had figured out how to bypass the door’s lock, but his current capabilities weren’t enough.

It was a matter of sheer power, and there was no way around it.

“It’s a shame. When will I get the chance to come back?”

He estimated how long it would take to reach the 6th-circle.

Thanks to Matthew, he had managed to save some time, but he would still need to focus on training for several months. If he was unlucky, it could take more than a year.

“No other choice.”

Despite his lingering regrets, he forced himself to turn away. He then carefully weakened the surroundings to prevent others from entering.

Rodin didn’t completely collapse the tunnel. He strategically placed spells so that, with a bit of effort, it was possible to reach the door with minimal force.

After leaving the tunnel, he returned to the Richmond Marquisate.

A long line of people waited to enter the city gates.

However, Rodin joined a shorter line nearby.

Residents of the Richmond Marquisate, identified by their identification tokens, used a different line than visitors. Since fewer people used this line, entering through the gates was quick.

“Hmm?”

After passing through the gate, he took a carriage back home.

Bianca greeted him warmly, but the atmosphere seemed strange—more chaotic and tense than usual.

“Did something happen?”

“Now that you’re here, Big Brother Rodin, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Margaret, what happened?”

He directed his question to Margaret, expecting a more rational response from the older woman.

“A murder case.”

“A murder case? Is that all?”

“Seven people were killed around here last night, and the culprit hasn’t been caught.”

“Ah!”

The crucial point was that the murderer remained at large. If they were still on the loose, someone else could die tonight.

“And the victims were all killed while they slept, each from a different family.”

“A different family? So, the murderer sneaked into the house and killed only one person?”

“Yes. Seven people from seven different homes.”

It was a strange case.

Typically, killing everyone in a house would ensure no witnesses, but here, only one person was targeted per house. It wasn’t about stealing valuables either.

“Was there any common link among the victims?”

“The guards are investigating that. From what I heard, they were all former mercenaries.”

“Mercenaries? When you say ‘former,’ you mean they were mercenaries in the past?”

“Yes. All of them retired a long time ago.”

It was a case where someone visited the homes of retired mercenaries and killed only the mercenaries themselves. Within a single night, seven former mercenaries had been killed, but none of their family members were harmed.

‘Are they searching for something?’

It didn’t seem like simple revenge. There was undoubtedly another motive.

“Margaret, are there any other former mercenaries nearby?”

“Yes, I’ve heard that Jackson and Glen from nearby are also former mercenaries.”

“Then it’s possible there might be another incident tonight.”

“That’s why the atmosphere here is so uneasy.”

Even though the victims were only former mercenaries, that was a connection found after a thorough search. It was still unclear who the real target of the murderer was.

It could be a lunatic who randomly killed adult men or someone deliberately creating an atmosphere of fear.

“Hmm, understood. Please call me if anything happens. I’ll be in the underground training room.”

“Yes, sir.”

Rodin went down to the basement and made a few simple artifacts. He then went around the outer wall, inscribing spells one by one.

“Big Brother Rodin! What are you doing?”

“Here.”

“What is this?”

“A key. Keep it with you from now on.”

He handed Bianca a small metal rod, similar in shape to a slave stick, which once dictated the life and death of slaves.

“Do I just carry it with me?”

“Yeah, that’s all you need to do. Margaret! You should keep one too. Give one to Matthew as well.”

“Sir, what is this?”

“I’ve inscribed some spells around the house. It’s a spell that confuses intruders who haven’t been authorized, making them lose their way. This rod acts as a key. As long as you carry it, you won’t be affected by the spell.”

Margaret examined the rod with curiosity, unsure of how to use it.

“How do I use this…?”

“There’s no special trick to it. Just carry it with you. See that hole there? Attach a string and wear it around your neck or waist. Even after the incident is resolved, keep carrying it.”

“Understood, sir. I’ll make sure my son has one too.”

With this, he felt somewhat assured. He would need to remain vigilant until the culprit was caught, but he believed things would be fine for now.

“Big Brother Rodin! What about Brother Larry?”

“I’ll give it to him outside.”

“Should I wait at the entrance?”

“Have you finished your studies for the day?”

“Ah!”

At the mention of studies, Bianca darted back to her room, likely to reappear around dinnertime.

“Margaret, you can return to your tasks. I’m going to rest for a while.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

Rodin began his magic training in the underground room. It was his first session in four days, so he took his time.

After finishing his training, he attended a Frouval’s llusion lesson. Following dinner, he excused himself, claiming he was tired, and went to bed early.

It was a little past 10 PM.

Rodin quietly opened his eyes. As soon as he regained consciousness, Undine flew toward him.

—Hehehe.

“Undine, why do you always giggle whenever I wake up?”

—Hehehe.

“Alright, enough. Jito.”

—Kweeng!

Jito, disguised as a coat on a hanger, flew toward him and attached itself to his body, transforming into proper clothing in an instant. The robe changed to a yellow color.

“Jito, make it black.”

The yellow robe turned black in a flash. Rodin pulled up the hood of his dark robe.

“Let’s take a look around. Invisibility.”

Just the previous night, there had been a murder. The guards were undoubtedly keeping a close watch on the area.

Rodin, now invisible, slipped out of the house. As expected, several guards were patrolling the area diligently.

‘Would the murderer dare strike under these conditions?’

He thought the night might be quiet. But just as he began to relax, he sensed a faint movement of magic.

‘Invisibility?’

From the far end of the alley to his left, he detected a subtle flow of magic. It was the same type of invisibility magic he was using.

‘Barely any magical fluctuations… this isn’t an ordinary mage.’

Rodin concealed his own magic and slowly approached. As he got closer, the magical energy from the other side became clearer.

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