Chapter 69: Group (Part 3)

Thaad, who was casting photonization magic on Alpheas, was already sweating. Viltor Arcane was an annoying person, but the power of the magic he wielded was unimaginable. ’Wow. What a powerful mind control. It would work in this era, wouldn’t it?’ At first, Thaad thought it would be easy. Even though Arcane had been titled Archmage, 40 years had passed. Magic had evolved, and dark magic had been largely eradicated. But Abyss Nova was so complex that even Thaad, a beneficiary of advanced magic, couldn’t fully analyze it. After 20 minutes, he finally felt light energy piercing through the core of darkness. Then, Thaad focused his mental strength to push the light forward. Slowly, the curtain of darkness lifted, and Alpheas’s memories began to unfold brightly with the flow of light.

40 years ago. Capital Bashka. An unprecedented magic frenzy gripped Tormia Kingdom. King Adolf XII, unlike his predecessors who valued military force, was intelligent and benevolent. Upon ascending the throne, he made the magic department independent from military affairs and attracted many talents. People from both local areas and other countries came to Bashka to study, and the streets of the capital became alive with intellectual discussions. It wasn’t unusual to see newly graduated mages gathering at a bar in the middle of the day, discussing magic. Gypsy-style outfits with bright primary colors were fashionable, and women wore short hair to reveal their necklines as a symbol of intelligence. Men wore their hair long, down to their waists. At the most famous tavern in Bashka, ’Home of the Old Gods,’ over 200 tables filled the enormous hall. People often went up to the central podium to preach their magical philosophies. All sorts of voices clashed, discussing magic and gossiping about the nobility. It was a time of romance and excitement. Alpheas remembered those golden days of his youth.

“Oh my, boys! Come, come! Alpheas is here!” A woman’s voice rang out at the bar’s entrance, and the women at the tables turned to look.

“Hello, ladies! It’s noisy as always here!” Alpheas, a handsome young man with blonde hair down to his waist, entered the tavern. A half-shaved young man, out of fashion, accompanied him—Rian’s grandfather, Ogent Clump. Though Clump couldn’t use invisibility magic, the women ignored him and surrounded Alpheas.

“I’ve been waiting, Alpheas-nim! What magic are you going to teach me today?”

“You have to moisten it first. My tongue gets stiff if it isn’t wet.”

“Knock-knock! That kid is funny. Alpheas is a real treat.” Today’s students might mock him, but back then, Alpheas was a popular figure who could say anything. He came from a first-class family, was a brilliant magic school graduate, and had a handsome, sophisticated appearance. What woman wouldn’t be drawn to him? On the other hand, the men looked at Alpheas with disapproval. Even those who weren’t petty enough to be jealous didn’t look kindly on him. It was clear he had earned a great deal of resentment. The light of the Mirhi family was his official title, but among those who knew him, his nickname was different: Arrogant Alpheas.

Anyone familiar with the magical world would recognize that Alpheas is a person chosen by God. The problem, however, was that he often showcased his talents without regard for the time or place. Whenever an argument arose, it ended quickly, and if his opponent made even the smallest mistake, Alpheas would relentlessly point it out, seeking acknowledgment for his own abilities.

Only Clump understood that Alpheas didn’t mean any harm by this behavior. It wasn’t arrogance, just an overwhelming passion that often wore people out. In truth, Alpheas was someone who would readily admit his mistakes and congratulate his opponents when they won. The issue, however, was that this rarely happened.

As Alpheas walked around the table, mingling with others, it seemed like he was getting bored waiting for his beer. Clump watched him with concern, worried that Alpheas might cause another problem, but he just sighed, feeling too tired to intervene.

“Sarov! What are you doing here, drinking in broad daylight?” Alpheas called out, greeting Sarov warmly. Sarov, a local from the capital, was one of Alpheas’ few rivals. Though he lost every argument to Alpheas, many believed he would be the top candidate for the Photon series, if it weren’t for Alpheas. Sarov didn’t exactly enjoy Alpheas’ approach, but Alpheas went to him without hesitation.