Tower of Razel

The Tower of Razel (라젤의 탑, RR: Rajerui tap, MR: Rajerŭi t'ap) ^[1] is a tower in the Karsearin: Adventures of a Red Dragon.

It's located in Idelon of the Gaianes Empire's Southern Region, Gaianes Empire.

History[]

Brodalean who's a Silver Dragon built the tower when he was dreaming of being a dwarf. ^[2]

In 304 AC, capital city of the Southern Empire, Idelon. Pete said it's so big, he can't even see where the city walls end, but the most outstanding thing of all... ...was that massive tower. Charlene who wearing a hood, said that's the heart of the Gaianes Empire's magic... ...This, it took more than two centuries to build that tower. Yuna looked curious and said the heart of magic... ...how big of a scale were they talking about here. Charlene answered there were at least a thousand mages residing inside... and about so master-level mages. Yuna's mouth droped and opened and thought a thousand, there were less than 200 mages in all of Libeid. Pete said haha... that's enough mages to take down a dragon. What Pete said jokingly made Charlene start to think seriously, so she said a dragon, she's not sure about that, magical defense can block out some of the nineth circle spells, but against a dragon... Pete thought uh, he was just joking... Charlene said ...well, it'll still be difficult for humans to take down a dragon, after all, dragons were divine beings... with supreme authority. ^[1]

The group sat around a small table, and there were several sheets of paper on it, filled with drawings of all kinds of buildings. Charlene said there, she's done. Arin slept in the next bed. Charlene said here's the interior of the palace she drew... based on her memories. Someone asked incredible, how Charlene did manage to remember all this... Charlene answered she was born and raised there, so she should knew the ins and outs of her home. Seton thought his mansion was way smaller than that, and he still got lost... Seton examining the map and asked by the way... this was the classified information, the map showed all the secret passages inside the tower, the locations of the mages' labs... ...where the magical artifacts were kept, the magical traps, and even where all the guards were located. Pete said simply possessing this information will get them arested, it'll be terrible if even a single page of this map leaked out... Charlene said to Pete that please burn all the pages once he has memorized the layout, she wouldn't want to reveal the location of her bedroom... Yuna's eyes sparkled and said this was top-tier information, she bet she can sell it for 2,500 Gold to a guild of thieves... no, maybe even 2,800 Gold. Someone thought Yuna is joking... right. Someone said the fact that Charlene can draw such a detailed layout... proved that she's indeed the Queen of Sorcery. Seton said pardon him for his rudeness until now, Her Majesty. Charlene was surprised and said th-there's no need to apologize, she hasn't been able to regain her position as the Queen yet, moreover, they all saved her life, so please they should treat her as an ordinary girl rather than a Queen. Charlene thought especially him, Seton... Yuna said in that case, they won't change how they address her... ...Charlene, now that they have this map, they won't get lost inside... ...but what they should do once they sneak in. Charlene said they'll need a master-level mage... to break the Absolute Magic Seal that's been cast on her, however, convincing a master-level mage that she's the Queen of Sorcery won't be easy. Pete asked but she weren't the only mage who's mastered Eighth Circle spells, Charlene, what if she demonstrate her knowledge of magic, like she did to them... Charlene said it won't be convincing enough, the fake has also mastered Eighth Circle spells like her, she doesn't know any more than she does, which left room for doubt, due to her position, she has never been personally close with any master-level mages, so none of them will recognize her, that's why she'll need... ...the Tanin's Scepter, activating this... requires a secret art passed down only to the Queens of Sorcery, she can activate it even without her magic, it'd be best if she can convince them by using the scepter, but if she can't... at least she'll give her a chance to explain her situation, she believe this was their best bet at the moment. Aria said if Charlene's goal if to remove the spell... ...instead of going around the problem... ...why they don't take down the fake. Yuna was embarassed and shouted how that is even possible, Fakelene＊ is also a mage of Eighth Circle, it'll be challenging regardless of how strong she's, Aria. ＊Fakelene=Fake Charlene. Charlene said killing the fake won't remove the seal... since the spell doesn't require a continuous stream of mana... Someone asked so, where the Tanin's Scepter is. Charlene answered it's her room, it's kept securely inside a safe. Seton asked what if they disguise themselves as a servant or a maid. Charlene answered it won't work, they have to go through a rigorous examination of their identity spanning three generations to be hired as a servant there, security is tight since a lot of confidential information about magic is kept inside. Yuna asked that may be true for this, but what about the outer bailey of the castle. Charlene was surprised and thought for a moment and relaxed her voice a little that the examination is certainly less rigorous there, still they do check their acquaintances, so they'll need someone who can vouch for their identities. Pete said oh, what if they get the temple to vouch for them, that would work. Seton said but the temple would become suspicious of them, why they would suddenly go from being adventurers to attendants... Pete said maybe they can explain Charlene's situation and ask for their cooperation in advance... Yuna said they're not sure if the temple will believe them, plus, they have no idea how many more people are involved in this incident, it's possible that Fakelene has connections inside the temple too, in fact, they might end up giving themselves away to the fake. Pete was awkwarded. Someone asked then there's even a way they can get in. Yuna made a disapproving expression and said she thought... ...they have no choice but to create a fake who can vouch for them. ^[3]

Hyak asked to Yuna that she does... need something stolen. Yuna answered they need to get inside Idelynn Castle. ^[4]

Hyak was surprised. Hyak shouted to Yuna that here, she's serious, if they catch her, she'll face something worse than death, she'll be subject to all kinds of magical experiments. Yuna said to Hyak that's precisely why they came to the Guild of Thieves, but his reaction told her they won't get anywhere with him... so he may take them to the Guild Master. ^[4]

Beyond the outer castle, a white tower can be seen in the distance. At here, a woman in brown dress saw Pete and said that priest... A room located in here. Pete said phew, he managed to get in, it wasn't as difficult as he thought... luckly, there's an event organized by the temple inside the castle... ...thank goodness his status is relatively high as Catacaron temple and he was able to follow along, no wonder he was treated so well. Pete lay in bed and thought the goods were delivered sucessfully, he hoped they do a good job... ...who knew, he might even meet the Queen, but he's not sure he can pretend like he doesn't know she's a fake... Pete reflected on the information he had received so far. First of all, information about the fake queen that she secretly asked the maids passing by. The maids said her Majesty the Queen used to be so reserved, why she did suddenly become so cheerful, she's having mood swings due to puberty. Another maid said that's really so strange, what matters that's her Majesty the Queen is still a mage of the Eighth Circle. Pete thought the date when rumors began to circulate inside the castle matcheds what Charlene said, he's fully convinced now, she's indeed the Queen of Sorcery. Pete had a smile on his face. Pete thought if everything goes well, he might be going places... hehe. It was right then. A loud knocking sound, like a thunderbolt, rang loudly in the room. Pete shouted in a breathy voice that c-come in. The woman opened the door. The woman smiled and said he must be Brother Pete, the priest who served Harnian, the goodess of the moon, her name is Raedi Yel Gastria. Pete was surprised and thought Raedi... ...someone don't tell him... she's one of the Four Sorcerers of the empire. The Four Sorcerers... ...consist of four mages of the Eighth Circle who assist Charlene, the Queen of Sorcery, with the exception of her, no other mage in the empire cam rival their power, of them, Raedi Yel Gastria, the Brown Witch... ...is the empire's second most powerful mage. Pete thought what's such an important figure doing in his room, it could be that the fake queen has found out about their infiltration. Raedi opened her mouth gracefully that he does have a moment to talk... ...Brother Pete. Pete headed to the table and said oh, of course, Raedi may take a seat. Raedi sat down on the chair. As they sat across from each other, Pete carefully asked a question that what brings she here... Raedi maintained a smile and looked intently at the blonde young man in front of her and asked why Pete don't take a guess. Pete thought in confusion that why Raedi is looking at him like that, she did really find out, but he has yet to do anything here. Pete, who had lived all his life inside the temple... ...was completely clueless, he had no idea that Raedi was currently seducing him. Raedi thought oh her, look at that skin, even Pete's flowing hair is gorgeous. Raedi's perspective. The truth was, Raedi had a thing for beautiful younger men. In fact, she had been using Drain Magic to extract the life force of others for decades in order to maintain her youthful beauty and be with handsome men. Raedi blushing, breathing heavily and drooling and thought Pete is been nervous for quite some time now, he must be interested in her too. Raedi asked Pete does really not now why she's here. Pete was embarassed and answered he-he really don't... Raedi held Pete's hand and said she understand he's a priest from overseas, but there's no need to deceive himself. Pete was surprised. Raedi said she understand everything. Raedi thought Pete is shy, weren't he. Pete thought he knew it, Raedi must've discovered his true purpose for coming here, how much she does know. Raedi standed up and said they'll finish their conversation in her room... Raedi winked and said ...tonight. Pete, who was alone, thought why Raedi would wait until tonight instead of ending him right now... ...what she's planning, let's just go for it and see what happened. ^[5] As Idelynn Castle was a royal palace, of course there were guards patrolling around all the time. Yuna said the path was clear. Arin's eyes sparkled with tension and excitement and said this was kind of fun and thrilling. Yuna said just so Arin knew... they're risking their lives for this infiltration. Yuna thought the Tower of Razel is an impregnable fortress under the empire's strongest magical protection, if worse comes to worst, she'll get Arin to transform so they can get out of there. Aria said Yuna, Arin, they have arrived, this must be it, the storage where the wagons were being kept. They took a box from one of the lined up wagons. The great sword was caught in Aria's hand, and the Dazzling Dragon Sword was caught in Arin's hand. Yuna said Pete successfully smuggled them in. Arin tilted his head as he watched Yuna take out a black robe from the box and put it on, and said, huh, the color of her robe is different. Yuna said a white robe is too eyecatching, Arin, Aria, they two should wear their robes too, they don't have much time, let's hurry, their next destination is the sewer located about 300 feet south of the maids' residence, it'll be a little dirty... ...but they'll have to put up with it for their plan... Arin can do that. But surprisingly, Arin didn't show any resistance and just grumbled a little and said ugh... the sewer again, he does have a choice, let's go. Yuna thought what's this, Arin is more willing than she thought, the sewer again, what kind of business does a dragon have inside a sewer. Yuna said even though they have these roves on, please they should take care not to get any filth on them, having a stench will make it harder for them to move stealthily. Arin covered his nose with his hand and said ugh, he hate filth, he should've gone with Pete, he bet he's relaxing in a comfy room. Pete was clearly in a comfy room, but he was never really relaxing, and he paced around the room restlessly the whole time, he said ugh... Pete thought ...let's think this through again, why Raedi Yel Gastria did visit him, if she found out about the infiltration, why she did leave him be, if Raedi knew that Charlene sent him here, that meant she also knew that the current Queen of Sorcery is a fake, that does mean the Four Sorcerers are siding with the imposter, but why, it could be a secret battle for power, they're working with the imposter to oust the Queen of Sorcery, the empire's most powerful mage, but if the fake also mastered up the Eighth Circle spells, then there's no point, unless... ...the Fake Queen of Sorcery is actually an ordinary girl... ...and the Four Sorcerers are the ones pulling the strings from behind. ＊Not true. Pete shouted that must be it... the Four Sorcerers are definitely powerful enough to subdue a Master of Eighth Circle spells, then Raedi did call him over... to find where Charlene is. ＊Pete is getting ahead of himself. Pete shouted what he should does. Raedi wore a gorgeous negligee and put lipstick on her lips and hummed a tune. At this time, Raedi's maid said Lady Raedi, she has a guest. Raedi smiled, opened the door and said oh dear, he's so important, Pete, how he did knew where her room is. Raedi's maid said the Red Witch... ...that is, Miss Sez Hetris is waiting for her. Raedi annoyed and said oh... it's just her, Sez. Sez thought what's up with Raedi's outfit. Sez asked Raedi did pick up a pretty boy somewhere. Raedi answered why Sez is here, if she has something to say, she should get on with it. Sez said she thought they have intruders in the tower. Raedi said wow, really. Raedi grabbed Sez and threw her out the door, said then she should to catch them, she has more important business to atend to, so she should off her go. Sez said grumblingly that why, that old hag. Kami asked Lady Sez... she only reported it because the maid who she shared a room with could read the ancient language... ...and her bed was empty at night, which was a little suspicious, it's such a big deal that she has to step in herself. Sez said no, it doesn't require her to step in personally... Sez smiled playfully and said ...but she thought she could make a big deal out of it, this is a good opportunity to whip the knights of Razel into shape. The underground hall. In a small cave they saw an iron bars blocking the vent and Yuna said Pete is late. Arin asked a question to Yuna that why they don't go in first. Yuna frowned and shouted absolutely not, she already explained to Arin earlier about the traps, the floor of the alchemist is located underground inside here, the hallway connected to that... ...has a Detect Crystal, a magical item that sensed intruders, it's fine to move around inside, but if someone tries to infiltrate from the outside, it immediately triggers an alarm, the only way to stop the crystal is for someone inside to deactivate it, that's why they have to wait for Pete to use Dispel Magic on the crystal. Arin said hmm... At this time, Arin's body, which was sitting on the iron bars blocking the ventilation shaft, began to sway and fall downwards. Yuna asked huh. With a loud sound effect, Arin shouted gah and managed to land noisily in the middle of the hallway, along with the iron bars blocking the vent. At that moment, Yuna said owie... Yuna shouted A-Arin, what he has done. Yuna fell into despair, unable to say anything and thought it's all over for them, damn it, soldiers and mages will come rushing in, this is the end... Fortunately, it wasn't too high, so Arin only ended up falling on his butt, and he made a sad face. Yuna thought huh... nothing happened. Yuna asked Charlene did tell them the wrong information, no, it can't be... maybe the magical item is broken. Aria answered she doesn't know much about magic... ...but it could be because... Arin is a dragon, a creature different from them. Arin smiled brightly and shouted the intruder-detecting crystal must be broken, Yuna, Aria, they may come down. Yuna said they can't go down and risk triggering the alarm, please Arin should go use the Dispel Magic on the crystal. Arin said what, he doesn't know how to use that magic. Aria threw a huge sword through the vent and said Arin should use this, the Dispel Magic should be engraved on it. Arin thought how he's supposed to... lift that thing. Aria said Arin will be able to use it if he has the Dazzling Dragon Sword with him. Someone said she's glad they managed to get in somehow, but she wondered what happen to Pete. Yuna said perhaps he got into a mess he can't get out of... ...or worst-case scenario, his true identity has been discovered and he's been captured. Aria said Yuna will proceed with the plan. Yuna said regardless of what happened to Pete... ...they're all traitors now, there's no turning back, they must help Charlene regain her position to clear their names, in the end, they're left with only one choice. ^[6] Pete felt eerie first as the unexpected colors of the room greeted him and thought why Lady Raedi's room is all red. Pete looked around with frightened eyes and thought a witch's room is quite something indeed, it's as if the whole room is drenched in blood, also... ...why Lady Raedi is dressed like that. Raedi was sitting with her legs crossed, looking suggestive. Raedi smiled and opened her mouth that welcome, Pete. Pete thought that's attire for a witch ritual, if this is Raedi's way of establishing dominance... ...then he'll has to start being assertive too. Pete raised his head stiffly, abandoned his previous attitude, glared at Raedi, and opened his mouth in a challenging tone that Raedi could please tell him the reason she called him over. Raedi thought with a smile on her face that how adorable, it's no use trying to act proper now, Pete is clearly nervous. Raedi led Pete gently to the bed and said this way. Pete said huh. Pete said but this is Raedi's bed... Raedi tried to grab Pete, her eyes shone and drooled. Pete shouted Lady Raedi, L-lady Raedi. Raedi said shh, Pete don't say a word, her beautiful bird. Raedi untied his front. Pete blushed and thought t-this is... ...what Raedi had in mind all along. Pete shouted he can't believe it, and his screams could be heard outside the door. Raedi's maid was standing next to the door. A guard was struck fell to the ground. Yuna muttered quietly that the security isn't tight here, they must be really reliant on the Detect Crystal. Here, fifth floor, the floor of the flame hallway. Yuna said they have a pretty high chance of success... ...thank goodness they have their guard down. At this time, someone said agreed. The two women's voices echoed off the walls. The tension in Arin's group that had been relaxed became tense again. Sez said damn, these useless guards... ...she better instill someone discipline in them, how dare they let intruders get so far. Yuna was surprised and shouted she recognize them, they must be... ...Sez Hetris, the Red Witch,... ...and Lucy Ferlein, the Violet Witch. Sez said a bunch of cute rats, she saw, she never thought there'd really be intruders, thanked to them, they had to go through the trouble of searching the entire tower, now, it's time to make them pay for it. Yuna reached for the dagger in her arms and shouted crap, how did they find them, they can't possibly have gotten caught this quickly... Lucy snapped her fingers as if it was hilarious and said oh my, they're planning to fight them, in that case... Lucy said ...they'll show them the power of the Razel Knights. Dozens of knights who had been surrounding them appeared. The Razel Knights shouted charge and all started to rush at Arin's group. Aria simply extended her fists and attacked the Razel Knights with her bare hands. Lucy was surprised and shouted what... Sez also surprised and thought what was that, how can someone be so monstrous, she thought the tight space would render her huge sword useless, but she's taking down the knightly order using only her fists. Sez said she's... not a human, no human can exert such physical power. Lucy asked she could be a Sword Master, then they'd have sensed her unique mana, she was thinking of leading the knights on a simple search practice... ...but this is turning out to be more complicated than she thought. Aria lightly picked up a heavily armored knight and threw him aside and he shouted guh. A knight shouted ugh... how she could be so strong. Another knight shouted she's a complete monster. Yuna said Aria, let's run, it'll be a pain in the neck if the two witches intervene. Aria nodded. Suddenly Aria re-grabbed her sword. Aria raised her right hand above her head and shouted Flame Strike. The letters floated clearly above the sword. The Razel Knights were surprised. At the same time, a huge pillar of flame struck the ceiling of the hallway, causing a powerful explosion. The ceiling collapsed all at once as if an earthquake had occurred, shaking the entire area. A huge amount of stone fragments piled up like a mountain, forming a huge wall between the Razel Knights and Arin's group. The Razel Knights shouted they blocked the path, they're running away. Sez said there's no need to panic, the other side is a dead end, they've effectively trapped themselves in. Sez spread out her hands and said step aside. Heavy rocks rose into the air and were pushed to the left and right. The Razel Knights shouted whoa... Sez cleared the mountain of rubble in the blink of an eye... as expected from one of the Four Sorcerers. Sez was surprised. The previously blocked corridor was instantly cleared again. But there were no signs of intruders there. Instead, there was only a secret passageway exposed on one wall of the warehouse. Sez said huh. The Razel Knights shouted what's that, a secret passage. Sez said ...how the intruders do knew about a secret passage... ...that even they don't know about. Here, fourth floor, the floor of ice and snow hallway. Someone thought Charlene said the secret passage is only known to the queen, no one else knew. Yuna sighed and thought indeed, even the Four Sorcerers didn't seem to know about this passage, that meant they can still use the other secret passages, they still have a chance. Yuna said let's get to the other passage before they catch up to them, they should come on. Someone shouted Y-Yuna, wait. Yuna looked back and said Arin, there's no time to waste-- Arin shouted something's wrong with Aria. Aria just stood there, groaning continuously with an expression on her face that made it seem like she might collapse at any moment. Yuna's face turned pale as she experienced creepy fear and shouted it's just like last time... Yuna thought wait, Aria didn't kill anyone this time either, that does mean... ...she'll go berserk again. The murderous look flowed from Aria's eyes. Yuna was surprised and shouted Arin should run, Aria is-- Aria reached out to Arin. Yuna shouted Arin. ^[7] Suddenly, Aria stretched out both hands. The sharp edge of the hands flew towards Arin's head. Yuna shouted Arin. Yuna tightly closed her eyes. Then, Yuna slowly opened her eyes. Aria hugged Arin's neck and buried her face in his chest. Arin asked Aria, she's hurt. Arin cautiously reached out his hand and asked what's wrong, hmm. Aria had a frightened look in her eyes like a weak and helpless girl, her moans gradually became quieter. Arin was embarrassed and asked ...Aria. Aria's expressionless face returned again, and she opened her mouth bluntly and answered ...she's fine now, everything is okay. Yuna thought having Arin by Aria's side calmed her down again, it's... just a coincidence. Aria said she has held them back, let's hurry. Yuna was surprised and said oh, okay. Yuna said even if they use the secret passages, it's still a considerable distance to Tanin's Scepter, they've probably stationed guards everywhere by now, so they'll be pursued outside the secret passages... ...how in the world will get there... Aria spoke in a cold voice to Yuna, who was thinking hard that why she doesn't distract the guards and lure them to one place. Yuna said oh, that works... Yuna, who had been agreeing without thinking, suddenly came to her senses and asked a question. Yuna shouted ...wait, no, what Aria is talking about, she's saying she'll become a decoy, she does have any idea what that meant, if she get caught, she'll be subjected to all kinds of experiments. Aria said it's okay, she's invulnerable. Aria continued speaking calmly that Yuna just need to find Tanin's Scepter as soon as possible while she distract the guards... ...so that Charlene can reclaim her position as the Queen of Sorcery. Yuna was surprised. Yuna made an impression and thought what stubborn nonsense, just moments ago, she saw how tormented Aria was, but currently... ...they have no other choice... Yuna said ...she's sorry. Aria said Yuna don't say that, this is her job. Yuna said let's go, Arin. Arin said huh, Aria won't be coming with them. Yuna said no, they're splitting up. Arin and Yuna hurried down the hallway. Aria watched the backs of the two disappeared and thought she's so close, once Charlene regained her position as the Queen of Sorcery... ...she might be freed from this accursed body. Far away, guards rushed in behind Aria and they shouted there she's, intruder alert, everyone, come to the fourth floor. Aria thought that's why... ...she'll forsake her humanity... ...this one last time. Sez was embarrassed. Sez saw Aria and thought no way, she's really the same person she saw earlier. The guards shouted eek... ...aaagh, help. Aria even cut down the fleeing guards and they shouted argh. Sez thought earlier, she only knocked them out, but now... ...she's turned into a killing machine. Lucy said it's time for them to step in, Sez, they can't leave it to the Razel Knights any longer. Sez was frowned and said hmph... she really didn't want to step in if it could be helped. Sez took out a thick book with a bright red cover from inside her robe and said but she guessed they have no other choice now... Aria threw herself at Sez. Lucy thought she's quick and screamed urgently that Sez. But Sez wasn't flustered and said Lucy don't worry. The moment Aria reached her nose, Sez grabbed a page and tore it open, shouted, flame scroll, page 36, Incinerate. A single blast of flame shot up in a straight line, created a pillar of fire that instantly covered Aria. Sez tore the page again and said here came another one. Lucy said she knew her magic scroll would do the trick, Sez, it was a direct hit. Sez replied with a look of astonishment on her face that she thought Lucy spoke too soon. As soon as Sez finished speaking, Aria appeared. Aria was a hideous, disfigured monster, severely burned. Lucy said wow, she's a monster... she can't believe she's alive, what's even more shocking is that her wounds are healing. Sez said she must be a type of chimera with strong regenerative capablities. Sez prepared her next spell and said well, no matter... ...she'll freeze her alive. Sez's book opened with a swoosh, the scroll tore apart with a swoosh, and a loud voice echoed that ice scroll, page 28, Blizzard Storm. With Sez's shout, cold air gathered from all directions, countless ice crystals condensed, and soon blew in as a huge snow storm that froze everything. Aria twisted her body and hid behind the great sword, and a vast amount of mana flowed through the sword. Fire Wall and Flame Shield. As Aria used two magics at the same time, the flow of mana also accelerated. A shield of flames was created, blocking the ice storm. Lucy shouted in surprise at the sight that completely shattered the Blizzard Storm that wait, so her sword was enchanted after all, how could she use so much magic with an Enchanted Sword, she does have an endless reserve of mana. Aria said she will kill... her enemy. ^[8] Sez shouted phantom scroll, page 37, Spectrum Force. A sharp scream erupted as a page of Sez's book was torn apart. Lucy shouted Consecutive Magic Arrows. Lucy also used her magic. Seven rainbow-colored rays and dozens of arrows of light rushed toward Aria's front. It was a magical attack. Aria hid behind her greatsword. The rainbow flashes were all blocked by the blade. Most of the pouring arrows of light were also deflected. Lucy have hard complexion and shouted unbelievable... ...that thing can be used as a shield too. Aria approached Sez in one breath. Sez's eyes trembled violently at the sight of the giant blade and shouted attacking her again, she's so damn persistent. Sez opened the scroll book carelessly and began to rip out random pages and shouted tear at random. Lightning, flashes, flames, ice, storms. Torn pieces of paper scattered without mercy, and all kinds of attack magic poured down on Aria. The 'human' in Aria screamed in fear that she has reached her limit, if she use more mana in this state, she'll seriously die. The 'doll' in Aria was still indifferent and said that it doesn't matter, if she can't avoid it, then she must fight back with magic, death is not an option. Dozens of magic spells were activated, complementing each other and heading towards ultimate destruction. But Sez said shoot... how many magic scrolls she did used, what a waste of expensive scrolls, just wait until she get her hands on her, she'll start by dissecting her... A soft starter word escaped Aria's lips that Anti-Magic Shell. A huge wave of mana spread out, forcing all magical actions back to nothing. Sez was surprised and thought all of the magic... ...is disappearing. Sez's brow furrowed and thought no way... Anti-Magic Shell, she did really cast the highest form of Eighth Circle magic using an Enchanted Sword. Sez hurriedly turned the pages of the book and said which page is the balance magic... Aria ran towards Sez. Sez tore the page and shouted ...found it. The storm raged, but Aria did not stop charging forward. Sez have hard complexion and thought she changed her course before she could even look up, from the start... she was never her target... Lucy was briefly exposed to the unexpected surprise attack. Lucy said huh. Aria cut Lucy. Sez let out a cry of horror that Lucy. In the bedroom, Raedi smiled brightly and Pete lay slumped on the bed and staring blankly at the ceiling and mumbled oh Harnian... Raedi smiled and sit down and said hoho... that was amazing, Pete. Suddenly a loud noise was heard outside the bedroom and someone shouted Lady Raedi, Lady Raedi, there's been an emergency, please she should come out. Raedi complexion changed abruptly and she sighed. Raedi left a light kiss on Pete's forehead and said he should sleep well, her beautiful bird. At that moment, Pete fell into a deep sleep. Raedi put Pete to sleep with her Sleep spell. Raedi raised herself up and said this had better be important... ...or else she'll show them hell. A knight shouted g-graaah, die, the monster. Aria slashed the knights with her sword and they shouted agh. Hiding behind the knights, Sez blanked and looked at Lucy's dead body. Sez said she can't win... ...her magic doesn't work on her, and Lucy is dead, defeating that monster is impossible unless they have a Sword Master. Sez clenched one hand and said no, Raedi might stand a chance... Sez screamed ...Raedi, she fool, she should stop playing around and come here already. The timing was perfect, and a rather unpleasant reply came back that goodness, how dare Sez talk to her like that. The knights burst into shouts of joy that oh, Lady Raedi is here. Raedi's mouth opened wide and said what happened... ...Lucy's dead... ...and the knights are no better, the chimera is to blame for all of this. Aria grabbed her sword and flew towards Raedi. Even though Raedi was flustered, she responded right away. Raedi said Flame Strike. A huge pillar of fire blazed, but a heavy great sword split the pouring flames apart. Although her face was still expressionless, Aria was inwardly embarrassed. Raedi's appearance disappeared. Raedi said she saw... no wonder Sez and Lucy struggled against her. Aria thought she's hidden herself... ...she did use Invisibility spell. Without any sign of movement, a blue flash pierced Aria's shoulder, and blood gushed out. Aria thought ...a flash of blue light. At the same time, Aria's sword slashed at the direction where the flash of light had come from, but the blade cut through the air in vain. Aria thought she's able to use another form of magic while remaining invisible, impossible, casting two spells at once is unheard of... Raedi hid her body with her invisibility magic and thought ...or so she might think, she must be confused, let her show her the power of Artifacts. ^[9] In this world, various objects harness magic, such as Enchanted Swords and Mystic Blades. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other such trinkets can transform into Magical Items... when engraved with a few spells. Among them, Magical Items with low magic power consumption are extremely rare, so they are uniquely referred to as Artifacts. Raedi said to Aria that a total of 12 Artifacts, which can only be created by a dragon, exist in the empire, she should feel honored, for she's about to show her the power of one such Artifact. Aria thought she's casting multiple spells without an Enchanted Sword... which meant she's using an Artifact, an Artifact that's capable of more than just Invisibility, it not only masked her appearance... but also her body temperature and the airflow created by her movements, and... Countless sparks began to pour down behind Aria's back. Aria was surprised. Aria thought it's flame magic... Abandoning her defense, Aria threw herself into the hail of flames. The guards saw Aria and shouted they got her. Sez said no... ...she jumped into the fire since she can regenerate. Aria thought the enemy is in the direction of the incoming fire. Aria brought her sword down, slicing through the air in vain. Aria thought she doesn't sense anything, she can't feel her presence at all... ...but how, not even magic can erase her presence. Raedi looked at Aria, whose entire body was covered in red, scorched burns, thought she's incredibly fast, she dodged her attack by a hair's breadth, even though she knew it was coming, she must catch and dissect her, she must be confused, she's not masking her presence with magic, but with her personal technique. Raedi thought Queen Erea, the previous Queen of Sorcery, saw her potential, even though she started studying magic later in life, she became the empire's second most powerful mage in just 40 years. Raedi smiled coldly as she approached Aria secretly from behind and thought she saw, she used to be a Guild Master for a Guild of Thieves. Another flash of light pierced Aria's abdomen. Someone shouted they should watch out, that chimera has incredible regenerative capabilities. Aria was troubled and thought she can still regenerate, but her body surpassed its limits long ago... she must break bones and cut through flesh... ...to quell this urge for destruction. Aria held her sword horizontally and thought the next attack will come anytime now, this time, she must strike her at the right time. A flash of light targeted Aria's right knee. Aria charged forward in a straight line, creating a sword wind, and the blade slashed through the air with fierce force. Aria thought she got her this time, she felt it. A corpse appeared. It was one of the knights of Lazel whom she had killed earlier. Aria thought it's a decoy, she tricked her... A whisper was heard in Aria's ears that what are use her incredible powers... Aria's head exploded. The wave of mana snapped Aria's cervical spine and penetrated the inside of her skull, turning her brain into mush. Raedi said to Aria that ...if she blast her brain. Raedi said phew... The guards shouted they did it. Raedi ordered to a guard that he there, he should lend her his spear. The guard answered yes, Ma'am. Sez said with admiring eyes that she's the best, Raedi, and she's not even hurt... Sez's admiring gaze soon disappeared and asked ...huh... Raedi, who was looking down at Aria, suddenly grabbed one of the spear handles. Raedi began to stab the fallen Aria with her spear, accompanied by an eerie sound. Raedi ordered to the guard that he should bring her another one. The guard answered huh, ah, yes. Sez was speechless as she watched the blood and flesh splattering tragedy. Raedi sighed and said there, this should do. Sez asked a question mixed with reproach that Raedi do really have to go that far, her magic earlier should've been enough. Raedi pointed with her hand and said to Sez that nonsense, look. For a moment, Sez was startled. Aria squirmed. Sez saw Aria and said she's still alive. Raedi said a monster like this can regenerate even her brain, tying her up isn't enough to subdue her, something must be wedged between her joints to render her powerless. Sez looked at Aria with tired eyes and thought even so... ...how gruesome, Raedi seemed so apathetic about it. Raedi gestured to the nearby soldiers that they should drag this thing to her lab, but they do not take out the spears, she doesn't know if she can catch her a second time. The soldiers shouted understood. Raedi's gaze turned towards the huge great sword in the distance. Raedi thought this chimera aside, what a strange sword, it does have to be so big. Raedi touched the great sword lightly. Raedi's complexion hardened. Raedi said this... is not an ordinary Enchanted Sword. Sez was surprised and shouted what. Sez asked it's a Mystic Sword. Raedi stood up and anwered not, it's an Enchanted Sword... but its magic efficiency is too good, the only human capable of making such an exceptional Enchanted Sword is... ...Gaster Latnile from Karsel, it has to be him. Sez shouted and asked Gaster is the one who created that chimera, what he's planning. Raedi answered who knew, they have a lot of work ahead of them, first, let's get the immediate task over with, where's Psyche. Sez answered Psyche is... In the Hall of Existence, which is a huge vault that only stored the most secret magical weapons in here, had bookshelves that filled the room and huge shelves that stored various Magic Items, ^[10] Yuna's complexion hardened like her corpse. A calm-looking beauty with pure white hair looked at Arin and Yuna with a smile on her face and said oh her, the intruders are cuter than she expected. The beauty said nice to meet them, she's Psyche... ...the White Witch. ^[11] The woman with a silver hair said to Yuna and Arin that so, this was their target all along, it's just the three of them who infiltrated the tower, what a sloppy plan, they don't think. Yuna was surprised and thought no... they were so close, why they did have to run into the White Witch of all people, dammit, she's one of the Four Sorcerers, no, get a hold of herself, think about it rationally... ...they can make this work in their favor, after all, they have Arin. Yuna shouted to Arin that he should get ready to battle. Arin said he's count on him. Psyche still had a relaxed smile and said oh dear, they're resisting. Yuna thought a mere mage like her doesn't stand a chance against Psyche, but they must fight regardless, for Aria, who must be facing so many hardships right now... ...and for her survival. Arin flew with his body and shouted here he came. Aiming at Dazzling Dragon Sword, Arin stared at Psyche with terrible eyes and shouted she should take this. Psyche was embarrassed and thought oops, she lowered her guard, that's physical enhancement. Psyche shouted huh. Arin fell on the ground with a loud sound. Psyche said huh, he did... ...seriously fall asleep just now. With a stupid eye, Yuna looked at the boy with a red-headed. The girl fell slowly, with only a word this is ridiculous... Psyche thought ridiculous, that's what she'd like to say, she can't believe she won so easily, this is vaguely unsetting. Yuna and Arin slept with the rope. Psyche shook the dust off her hands and said how in the world these brats did manage to get in here. Someone called Psyche desperately and she turned her head. At the entrance of the Hall of Existence, two women with brown and red robe appeared. Sez came running, panting, with loud footsteps and shouted she's okay, Psyche. Sez gave Psyche a worried tone that she's hurt anywhere. Psyche said what, of course not, why Sez is making a fuss, these intruders were easy opponents... Sez frowned. Sez said ...Lucy... was killed in battle. Psyche's eyes grew wide and shouted what. Psyche shouted impossible, the enemies she faced were nothing but a bunch of weaklings... Sez said they were up against a chimera made by Gaster, if it wasn't for Raedi, she would've been in danger too. Psyche shouted her goodness, poor Lucy... The other woman still watched the intruders with an impassive face and asked so, it was a feint attack, huh. Raedi, who had confirmed that Yuna had fallen, turned her gaze towards Arin and said hmm. Suddenly Raedi screamed in surprise that th-this one is... Raedi brightened up and shouted ...is a guy. Sez and Psyche blinked. Sez asked what... Raedi frowned, trembled and shouted poor Lucy, she'll avenge her death... ...through this young man. Raedi quickly lifted Arin up and placed him on her shoulder, then turned around and began to leave the Hall of Existence and shouted then she'll leave the rest to them, bye now. Sez was just dumbfounded and said ...how could Readi act like that... when Lucy's dead. When Sez was dumbfounded, Psyche said she should forget it, Raedi's always been like that. Sez said right... they'll focus on researching the chimera and the big sword, it's a good opportunity... to find the source of archmage Gaster's power. Psyche asked Gaster, huh, speaking of, haven't things been chaotic over there. Sez answered she heard they've been battling each other. ^[12] Elyne pointed somewhere and said ...Arin is... there. Elyne said Arin is over there. Karsenian asked what is that. Rosarahim asked the palace, that's where Arin is, he's made it big. Archiad answered it's the tower that Brodalean built when he was dreaming of being a dwarf. Karstein smirked and said Brodalean... from the Silver Clan, a silver-haired dwarf huh, what a sight that must have been. In bed, Arin yawned haaa... Arin asked ...hmm, where he's. Arin was surprised and shouted he got caught. Arin woke up and shouted he better escape. There was something like a strong rope wrapped around Arin's neck, and the strong pressure it exerted on his throat caused him to groan strangely gah. Arin asked huh... ...what's this, why a rope is there around his neck... ...and what's with this getup. Arin was wearing a blue one-piece dress with lace and a leather neckband. A rope attached to Arin's neckband hung on one corner of the bed. Arin said he should break the bed first. Arin shouted Kasa. It was quiet all around. Arin thought huh... ...he swear... something similar happened before... Arin was no longer shouted, but sobbed ...someone don't tell him... ...this rope is blocking the flow of his mana. Arin shouted right, let's try the Polymorph spell, he hereby use the power of law... ...agh, this isn't working either. Arin shouted why this is happening to himmm. ^[2]

Sez said good grief... Sez read the scrolls spread out before her eyes in her office. Sez said ...these are so many casualties, the death toll, compensation for bereaved families, and building repair cost... ...the list goes on and on. Psyche approached Sez carrying a scroll and said she needed her to sign this. Sez said she's busy, Psyche should ask Batalie to do it. Psyche said okay. Sez said ugh, she's swamped... Raedi smiled and said Sez, Psyche. Sez's brow furrowed. Sez shouted where have Raedi been, they're drowning in work here, goodness, what's with all those bags. Raedi drooled and said oh, these, toys for revenge. Raedi said oh, she wished it was night already. Sez was angry and thought why Raedi did show up in she can't even be bothered to help. Psyche thought toys for revenge, what that does meant. Arin lay quietly on the bed. Arin thought he can't return to his original form, not again, there isn't anything he can do. Arin looked around and said that remined him, where's everyone else. Arin shouted Aria, Yuna. Arin thought they've been caught too... Arin's eyes fill with tears and said ...he miss Aria... Someone asked Arin. Arin was surprised and shouted oh, Pete. Pete put his index finger near his lips and said shh, Arin should lower his voice. Pete asked Arin is hurt anywhere. Arin shouted nope, where's Aria and Yuna. Pete said they've been caught, he barely managed to find him, Arin, he knocked out the maid. Arin asked oh, really. Arin said then let's hurry and find Aria and Yuna. Pete's face suddenly distorted. Pete thought actually, he knew where they're... ...but they'll have to give up on saving Aria, this is the worst disaster ever in the history of here, it'll take half a year's budget just to recover from the damage, worse, one of the Four Sorcerers has died, it's ridiculous to hope for her safety given everything that's happened, they've failed their mission. Arin said Pete, he should cut this rope for him. Pete went behind Arin and untied the rope tied to his neckband and said hmm... he doesn't think he can cut the rope, but he can break the fastener attached to this. Arin smiled and said that will do, he can ask Aria to cut the band for him. Pete had a gloomy expression on his face. Arin held the Dazzling Dragon Sword and shouted whoa, this is so heavy. Pete said maybe the neckband is sealing Arin's magic. Pete thought it looked like Arin can't evem use Spirit Magic, that does meant the neckband is actually blocking the flow of his mana. Arin said aww, the neckband and this silly outfit... made him look ridiculous. Pete thought that's really the problem right now. Arin shouted anyway, now that he escaped the bed... ...it's time to go rescue Aria and Yuna. Soldiers stood guard in the dark hallway. A soldier said it's a little scary to stand guard with just the two of them... Another soldier said it can't be helped, they're short on guards due to the intruders. A soldier saw a thin silvery mist hanging over the hallway and asked huh. The guards on patrol were enveloped in mist and soon lost consciousness. Pete was in the secret passage, and he grabbed Arin and led him upstairs and said this is his chance, he should get moving, hurry. Arin asked where they do go from here, Pete. Pete looked down the hallway. There was a fork in the road leading to the left and right. Pete thought the exist is on the left, but if they leave now, they'll never get a chance to rescue those two, they do choose loyalty and go right, or practicality and go left... Pete said let's go left. Raedi returned to her room carrying a shopping bag in both hands and said she's back. Raedi ordered Sarah, she should unpack this for her, she doesn't let anyone inside her room for the next while... Raedi was surprised and asked ...huh. Raedi asked Sarah... Raedi soon found Sarah lying face down on the living room floor. Raedi's complexion changed abruptly. Raedi hurriedly flung open the bedroom door. There was a cut rope hanging from the corner of the bed. Raedi's eyes began to burn brightly and shouted ...he ran away. Someone thought they failed their mission, if they find out about his involvement... ...he, as well as the Order, will be in trouble. Inside the vent, Pete thought he doubt Yuna or Aria will mention his involvement, he's the only hope they have of being rescued, after all, the problem is Arin, unilke Yuna or Aria, he can't keep secrets, a few leading questions might be enough for him to spill everything he knew, thank goodness he wasn't locked up due to Lady Raedi's preferences, he doesn't seem to have talked about him either... Pete sighed and thought ...dammit, he was a fool. Pete thought he let himself be blineded by greet for a moment, what matters is reputation and power, not a person's true nature, it doesn't matter that Charlene is indeed the Queen of Sorcery, she ceased to be the Queen the moment she lost her power and influence, now, he's left with no other choice... ...he can't let a momentary lapse in judgment ruin his future, he must slience him... ...even if it meant killing him. ^[13]

Arin asked grumblingly that he's sure they're going the right way, Pete, how much more they do have to go. Arin said they've to hurry up and save Aria. Pete answered in a soft voice that Arin should bear with him, they're almost there, he should turn right up ahead. Pete thought Aria and Yuna are probably confined within the Chamber of Sin, a cell designated for holding criminals, when the Four Sorcerers discover that Arin has gone missing, they'll investigate the Chamber of Sin, thinking he must've gone to rescue his friends first... ...however, they're not headed to the Chamber of Sin... ...but an empty storeroom, he'll finish him off inside the storeroom, then he'll return to his room and pretend to be asleep as if nothing happened, nothing will link to his death, there's enough time. Pete was in the secret passage, and he grabbed Arin and led him upstairs. Arin looked inside and asked this is... a storeroom, there's another secret passage here. Looking at Arin's back, Pete made another pledge and thought he must steel himself, this is necessary for his survival. Pete thought he doesn't hesitate. Pete pulled out a dagger with a sharp blade. Pete thought he should forgive him, Arin. A sharp blade was aimed at Arin's back. Red blood dripped down, drop by drop. Pete said ah... Pete rang out a faint scream that aaagh. An arrow struck Pete in his left shoulder. Pete shouted wh-what this is, an arrow. Two guards appeared and a guard said they heard something strange and came over to check. Another guard with the crossbow said he recognize that red hair... ...he must be one of the intruders. Pete shouted ugh... how he could shoot arrows without first checking who they're. Pete thought guards... Arin shouted the guards found them, Pete, let's fight. Pete thought he doesn't believe it, why the guards are here, according to Charlene, this should be an empty storeroom... ...but this place is full of guards. Arin asked Pete, what they should do. Pete thought Arin should stop acting like him know him... dammit. Pete thought come to think of it, the guards recognized Arin by his appearance, he just have to pretend like he has no connection with him... The guards shouted the red hair did just say... Pete, he could be the senior priest serving Harnian, the goddess of the moon, the priest is with the intruders, that does mean the Order of Harnian is behind this incident. Pete thought he's done for... the guards are blowing things out of proportion. Pete drew on his divine power and said ...oh... ...what the heck. Pete shouted by the power of moonlight... Whirlaon. Red energy spread out in all directions. A thick red mist rose up, enveloping the guards from the ground up. The red mist quickly engulfed the guards, causing them to vomit foam. The guards who barely survived shouted it's poison gas, they should run and began to flee in panic. Pete shouted he won't let the guards get away, he'll wipe out energy single one of them-- Arin said Pete is so strong. As Pete was struck by excruciating pain, he shouted agh. Arin was surprised and asked Pete. Arin said Pete is in pain because of the arrow, it hurts like hell, right, he should know, he has been hit by an arrow too. Pete thought th-this is bad, the guards escaped, they'll incriminate him as an accomplice... ...this is the end for him and the Order. A guard collapsed in the corner, gasping for breath, said ugh... he's impressed by Pete's intel, but how, how he did know where to find this makeshift prison. Pete said huh... The guard said that monstrous woman ravaged the cell, so the guards had to make a makeshift prison out of this secluded storeroom, but only a select few know about this... Pete said wait... ...the Chamber of Sin was destroyed... so the guard turned this place into a makeshift prison... Pete thought the two people who he thought were impossible to rescue... ...happen to be here of all places. The guard said at this rate, Pete will manage to save his friends and escape... how infuriating... The guard fell down. Arin asked Pete. Pete looked back and said it's going just as he planned, Arin should come on, let's go rescue them. Pete opened the iron door and said it's wrong room, next. Arin said Pete, he's really not holding back. Pete said there shouldn't be any more enemies around, if there were, they would have shown themselves after the commotion earlier. Pete thought now that he's clearly implicated in the crime... ...he must escape this tower as soon as possible, once he get out of here, he can look for other solutions to dispel Charlene's curse, and to escape, he need Aria's power. Pete dashed. Pete sighed and thought well, getting out of the tower won't change the fact that he'll be stripped of his priesthood... Arin smiled broadly and said hehe, he felt like a warrior who has come to rescue his captured comrades, let's pull of a heroic rescue and get out of the tower, he bet Yuna and Aria would love that. Another iron gate appeared and someone shouted look, that door, he thought this is it, let's try the key they took from the guard. Someone opened the door with a key. Arin shouted Yuna, Aria, he's here to rescue them. Arin shouted blegh. Arin absentmindedly pinched his nose and shouted it stinks, this is really a prison cell, not a washroom. Pete said it's too dark, let him light up the room. Arin asked huh, what's that... Pete said the light of the goddess shines brighter in the dark. A small light bulb appeared, illuminating the surrounding area. Arin was surprised to see the girl. Arin said n-no way... ....this is... Yuna was leaning against a corner of a dark room and her wrists were shackled. Arin shouted ...Yuna. ^[14]

Seton said to Charlene that he felt too restless to do noting, his friends are risking their lives infiltrating the dangerous tower... ...yet all he can do is wait... ...but he's sure... everyone will succeed and come back safety. Arin asked ...Yuna... Pete said he should move, Arin. Trying to keep his composure, Pete approached Yuna. Pete thought what horrendous wounds... at least Yuna's limbs are intact, the punishment wasn't as bad as he feared, it could be because she didn't personally cause any damage. Pete said he'll free Yuna's shackles first. Pete began to gather magical power in his hands. Pete said in the name of Harnian, break these bindings. The chain snapped with a clang. Pete supported Yuna and asked she's okay. Yuna fell helplessly into Pete's arms. Pete asked Yuna, she may say something... Suddenly an ominous thought crossed Pete's mind. Pete asked ...it could be... ...Yuna is unable to speak. Yuna said ah... ...aaah... ...uh... ...ah... Tears welled up from Yuna's eyes. Pete thought oh god... ...Yuna's tongue has been sliced off. Pete thought Incantation is an essential component... of casting a spell, the core principle of magic involved using the inherent power of words to manipulate and redistribute mana, even if someone possesses exceptional intelligence and extensive knowledge... ...a mage who has lost the ability to speak became worthless, in other words... ...Yuna can no longer live as a mage. Pete said he's sorry, Yuna, regenerating a body part that is completely lost is beyond his capabilities, only the highest-ranking exorcists can perform such advanced magic... ...let him treat her other wounds for now. Pete's two hands glowed faintly, a blue glow covering Yuna's wounds as he groped them. Arin stood there dumbfounded. Arin thought this wasn't part of the plan, after rescuing Yuna and Aria... ...they were supposed to make a grand escape from the tower, then, with the help of the two people he saved... ...he was going to defeat their enemies, finally, they would have restored justice after driving out the Fake Queen, that was how it was supposed to go, so why... Arin said where's Aria... ...she's also in this room. Arin suddenly flinched in surprise. Aria was hanging on the wall. Dozens of steel wires were draped across Aria's body. The chains were as small as fingers, piercing Aria's skin and tearing her muscles, creating a gruesome tangle. Arin looked at Aria. Arin sank to the ground, a groan almost escaping from his lips that aaah. Aria said ah... ...Arin... Arin shouted Pete, he found Aria, he should hurry and come over. But Pete was lying there motionless, probably unconscious. Someone said to Arin that phew, the chimera hasn't been freed yet, thanked goodness they rushed over via portal as soon as they recieved the report, why he's making such a big fuss anyway, no matter how much he struggle... ...he'd never have escaped this tower. Sez and Psyche were by the door. Sez said let's hurry and get this over with, they still have a mountain of documents to go through, according to the chimera, their mission is to assassinate her majesty, apparently, the mastermind behind all this is Karsel Kingdom, but who knew the priest from Harnian was in on it too. Sez asked huh. Someone's eyes sparkled. Raedi was giving a creepy look. Psyche looked back and asked why Raedi does look so upset. Sez looked back and answered because Raedi's little mouse escaped... Arin was angry and shouted to Raedi that it's her, she's the ones responsible for hurting Yuna and Aria. Raedi said to Arin that why he's shouting at them, he's the ones in the wrong in the tower, they had legitimate reason to capture him, and who does he think he's to throw a fit over how they treat their intruders, he should stop being so ridiculous. Sez said to Arin that they lost dozens of their people, he should be grateful that he's alive at all, if she could have it her way, she'd grind him up and throw him to the pigs. The enraged Arin threw himself at Four Sorcerers, Dazzling Dragon Sword in hand. Raedi said not a chance, Shield. A shield of light appeared in front of Raedi, repelling Arin. Arin fell backwards and rolled on the floor. Raedi said to Arin that that's a Mystic Sword, it looked like he's having difficulty simply holding it up since his magic power is locked away... Raedi smirked and said to Arin that ...why to the naive ones always jump into things so recklessly, though she must said, it's their inexperience that she enjoyed. Arin lay on the floor and thought it's them, they're the ones who tortured Aria and Yuna... ...and inflicted pain so horrible that they can't continue their journey. Arin frowned and clenched his teeth in anger. Arin thought it's them... Arin stood up and said to Raedi that he'll kill her... ...he'll kill her... ...he'll kill her all... Sez said to Arin that he's so persistent. Suddenly, Raedi was embarrassed to saw Arin and and thought what this intense pressure is, his mana sealed away. The air around Arin felt tight and compressed. Arin said to Raedi that ...he'll kill him... Arin said to Raedi that ...he'll kill her all. ^[15]

Arin had felt angry many times before... ...but now, a new emotion was brewing... toward his enemies who had hurt his friends. The emotion caused his entire body to shake and made Arin lose control. The emotion engulfing Arin was not anger... ...but hatred. Arin suddenly let out a huge, ear-piercing roar that aaah. The air around Arin seemed to tighten as if it were being compressed. As the sun was setting, someone asked so... ...why the other did Arin go to that tower. Elyne Kanus answered well... ...all he heard was that Arin planned to disguise himself as a maid and sneak into the tower... Karsenian asked to Elyne that he wasn't the one who sent Arin there. Elyne was surprised and answered n-no, he didn't, Arin was the one who asked for it. Rosarahim sighed and asked the tower isn't enormous, she's sure they can find Arin, but the size of that place is quite daunting, if he realized they're here, he might slip away undetected again. Helmernod asked what if they get the higher-ups to gather all the maids before Arin found out that they're here. Archiad said good idea, let's go with that. Elyne said he'll be leaving now. Someone said according to that elf, this place is ruled by mages, why they don't find the human with the most mana... At this time, Karstein was surprised. Karstein asked ...huh... what's with that building. Kiadrys wondered. Karstein said the one over there, it's shaking. Kiadrys answered that can't be, he doesn't even sense magic about it, so why the tower would shake... ^[16]

Parts of here began to crumble away, sending up clouds of yellow dust. Rosarahim said huh, the building exploded all of a sudden. Eyra said she doesn't sense any flow of mana through... Karstein asked the building is being remodeled. Karsenian cried out angrily that Karstein is serious, they have no time to waste, Arin is in there right now. ^[16] Charlene looked at here through the window. Suddenly, a light appeared from the tower and the lodging began to collapse. ^[17] Raedi shouted through the falling stones that Sez, Psyche, they're alive. Psyche shouted what in the world is happening. Sez said there was a flash of light... and the next thing she knew, the entire tower is collapsing. Raedi shouted whatever is happening can't be good, first, hurry and find shelter, she's going to check on her majesty. Fake Queen was in a room on the verge of collapse, and she heard someone shouted her majesty. Someone came in through the falling stones and shouted her majesty is all right. Fake Queen asked Raedi, what is going on. Fake Queen asked the building is being remodeled. Raedi shouted this isn't the time to joke around, she must find shelter immediately. Raedi shouted saw, it's dangerous- Suddenly, a tremendous roar struck Raedi. The sky was visible. Raedi said no... Raedi shouted...no... ...impossible... Raedi thought ...it's... ...a dragon. Raedi thought no wonder something about that redhead felf strange... he's a dragon, this is dangerous. Raedi was desperate and thought what she has done to a dragon, she'll die. Fake Queen said oh my, a member of the Red Clan. Raedi was surprised. Fake Queen asked what that Mister is doing. Raedi quickly grabbed Fake Queen's shoulder, shook her and shouted Mister, she should get a hold of herself, her majesty, hurry, this way... Raedi's movements were controlled by an invisible force, that force that was caused by Karsearin's heavy breathing. Karsearin breathed a huge stream of crimson air from his mouth. A pillar of fire dozens of feet in diameter tore through the air and struck downtown of Idelon. A group of men and women looked down, their bodies frozen in midair. Helmernod said there it's, he sensed a dragon... Kiadrys said it must be Arin. Erkas said but he didn't sense any mana... ...when Arin was transforming into a dragon. Kiadrys said oh, that seemed to be the norm for Arin, they cannot detect his mana even when he's in dragon form. Erkas thought Kiadrys should've told them in advance. Karstein asked but it's really Arin down there. Kiadrys saw something. Karstein said it's hard to see through the dust... ...but Arin's breath wasn't this powerful before. Archiad said let's clear away the dust first. Archiad held out his right hand, light appeared there and he said Tornado. ^[16]

Raedi thought what is this, a nightmare, a new dragon has appeared, if the two end up fighting... ...then here... ...and even Idelon will be razed to the ground. ^[18]

Rosarahim lifted the stones into the air. Rosarahim was surprised to saw someone and said there they're, he must be Arin's human friends, right. The steel room and chains that had been restraining Aria had already been removed, and the fragments of the collapsed here, a massive pile of stones, had disappeared. Rosarahim held out her hand and Pete came up, taking her hand along with Yuna. Rosarahim said to Pete that oh, dear, the two of him were badly injured, he's even alive. Pete shouted to Rosarahim that s-she saved them. Pete sobbed and asked to Rosarahim that but who's she... ^[19]

Karstein asked so... ...she's Aria, the one that Arin mentioned, she should come closer. Aria answered yes, Sir. Aria approached Karstein, answering shortly. Karstein said goodness, Aria is so tall, she should kneel down before him. Aria answered yes, Sir... Karstein used his magic on Aria, who was kneeling quietly, and examined her. Karstein thought Arin promised to revert Aria's original form, that does mean she's not human. Karstein was surprised and suddenly muttered that what kind of messed-up fool created this. Arin wondered. After a while, Karstein opened his mouth as if in disbelief that this is... ...the Almighty Creature. Pete was surprised and shouted what, Aria is... the Almighty Creature. Erkas looked at Pete and asked indifferently that what's with that human. Helmernod said what's wrong with him. Karstein said to Pete that ...why he does look so shocked, he seemed to know something. Pete swallowed. Pete opened his mouth cautiously to Karstein that he'll tell him everything... ...noble dragon. Pete said ...and so, according to Charlene... ...Aria's physical body was modified into The Vessel of the Soul, a forbidden sorcery used to create dragons... Someone asked what. Karstein asked Pete should stop right there, what was that about the Vessel of the Soul. Pete said ah, yes, the Vessel of the Soul is a forbidden sorcery used to create dragons... Karstein smirked. Karstein suddenly burst into laughter that hahaha, the Vessel of the Soul is a forbidden sorcery used to create dragons. Pete asked huh... Rosarahim shouted wahaha, humans have such silly misunderstandings. Archiad said the story has been told by those with short lifespans, it could easily be relayed inaccurately. Pete asked excuse him... ...pardon him for asking, but this does mean the Vessel of the Soul is not the forbidden sorcery that created dragons. Karstein asked human child, the one called Aria does... ...have any features related to dragons. Pete was surprised. Pete thought Karstein have a point, he had no doubt since it was Charlene who told him... ...this is... ...an opportunity. Pete said o venerable beings of eternal existence... ...they mortals have yet to recieve the full truth, Karstein would graciously impart his wisdom... to this young and humble soul. Pete knelt down. Karstein asked where a kid did like him learn to speak like an old fart. Karstein looked back and spoke with a soft smile on his lips that well, this is a good opportunity, he two should also come and listen, it's something every hatchling has to learn eventually, they should come Arin, Eorin. Eorin is in a polymorphed state in human form. Karstein said well, then, he shall start the story from the very beginning. Arin dozed off with clear saliva flowing from his soft lips, slightly open beneath his cute face. Karstein looked embarrassed and said it's too boring for him, Arin, goodness, he's already nodding off... Eorin also drolling and raised her hand and said Elder Karstein, she was listening. Karstein said she was also falling asleep, Eorin. Karstein said that was how humankind came to be. Pete thought it aligned with Charlene's story to an extent, however... Pete asked Karstein is saying that the gods they worshipped and placed their faith in... were nothing more than cogs in the wheel that is the world, furthermore... ...this does meant that they humans... ...were genegades that go against the nature of this world. Karstein answered well, that's how the so-called gods defined him... ...and they're not entirely wrong, whether it's dragons, humans... ...or any other intelligent beings, they all have the potential to disrupt the world, but rather than existing perpetually as cogs in a wheel following established rules... ...it's not better to enjoy freedom while waiting for obliteration, that's not the meaning of life. Rosarahim shouted wow, well said. Karsenian said she doesn't fall for it, Goldie, that old fart is just repeating what he heard when he was little. Karstein said in an angry tone that shut up. The dragon command burst into Karsenian's mouth. Someone raised a hand and said so... Arin said ...just when... ...Karstein was going to talk about Aria. ^[20]

Karstein said ...wait... Charlene is the ruler, then she must have lived in the castle. ^[17]

Floors[]

The floor of the alchemist (연금술사의 층, 鍊金術師의 層, RR: Yeongeumsulsaui cheung, MR: Yŏn'gŭmsulsaŭi ch'ŭng): The floor of the alchemist is located underground, the hallway connected to that has a Detect Crystal, a magical item that senses intruders.

The floor of ice and snow (빙설의 층, 氷雪의 層, RR: Bingseorui cheung, MR: Pingsŏrŭi ch'ŭng): The floor of ice and snow is the fourth floor.
The Chamber of Sin (죄악의 당, 罪惡의 黨, RR: Joeagui dang, MR: Choeagŭi tang): This is the prison and torture chambeber for felons located on the 4th floor. ^[21]

The floor of the flame (화염의 층, 火焰의 層, RR: Hwayeomui cheung, MR: Hwayŏmŭi ch'ŭng): The floor of the flame is the fifth floor.
Raedi Yel Gastria's room
Hall of Existence (존속의 당, 存續의 黨, RR: Jonsogui dang, MR: Chonsogŭi tang): It's a huge vault that only stored the most secret magical weapons in here, had bookshelves that filled the room and huge shelves that stored various Magic Items. ^[10]