Book 2: Chapter 358
Spreading across the ground of the city.
In general, the most reasonable assumption people would make was that this was done in preparation to cast a colossal spell.
And the task of removing the mana from the ground was something that could only be done by a Wizard.
In other words, there was no person currently in the city more suitable for the task than Peran.
Asilla’s decision and request was not wrong.
But there was one thing that Peran regretted.
‘…I wish I had gone with Lukas.’
As he busily removed the mana, Peran couldn’t help but worry.
This was because Iris’ behaviour was difficult to predict. It was almost impossible to tell what she was thinking about at any time. And with Lukas’ cautious nature, it would be hard for him to trust Iris, who wore secrets like a shroud. (TL: Lukas: Iris? What secrets?)
Although he wasn’t entirely certain, he believed that his presence was necessary for Lukas to use his full power. This was because, regardless of how powerful Iris was, it was impossible for her to create a mana room outside of her own body. That was a skill that only 8 star Wizards, like Peran, had.
Of course, this situation was unavoidable since they couldn’t possibly entrust Iris with the task of clearing away the mana.
“Huu.”
He let out a sigh.
In the current situation, the best response that Peran could make would be to finish his work in the city as quickly as possible.
But as he looked at the mana on the ground, he couldn’t help but frown.
It was strange.
Ironically, if someone were to ask him what was strange, he wouldn’t be able to give them a clear answer.
The Wizard who had secretly been spreading mana throughout the city of Yuterdarm, was at least on par with Peran himself.
‘That’s why I can’t help but guess their intentions.’
Sighing again, he turned to look to the west of Yuterdam.
Would those two be okay?
Lukas’ sword technique could create and destroy spells at the same time. Of course, Peran still hadn’t managed to grasp the principle behind it. After all, he’d never seen Lukas’ technique, which was called the Zero Technique, up close before.
However, he still knew that its strategic value was enormous.
In the current situation, where most Wizards had probably betrayed them, it wouldn’t be enough even for ten mouths to explain how high the value of Lukas, who could even break down high level spells without a sweat, was.
‘…Iris Phisfounder is known for being greedy for talent.’
In fact, this was a trait that any leader of an organisation had.
Even Snow, who led the alliance, and Ivan, would be no different.
Peran smiled bitterly.
In the end, the thing he was worrying about was that someone else would notice Lukas’ true worth.
‘…no.’
With a shake of his head, he denied that thought.
In any case, he was just worried about Lukas and Iris being alone together.
As he cleared the mana away, Peran’s footsteps were gradually heading towards a certain direction.
Hector’s shop.
And to the red haired woman that would still be there.
* * *
The night wind was exceptionally cold today.
Lukas sighed as he looked down at his clothes. A simple cloth outfit with no defensive capabilities. In other words, it was the worst clothes to be wearing in a place like this.
This proved his thoughts that these clothes were made purely for aesthetic purposes while completely ignoring any kind of practicality or functionality.
Although he’d said that it was a necessity if they wanted to enter the Gold House, Lukas couldn’t help but resent Peran, who’d dressed him in these clothes in the first place.
Crunch.
There was a soft sound beneath as his foot crushed the blades of grass.
The forest was silent, and there were little to no signs of life. The most they could hear were the cries of crickets.
There was no conversation either.
Lukas looked at the back of the woman, who had chosen to take the lead, in front of him.
Iris’ purple hair undulated like a wave as she trodded lightly in the soft moonlight.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Iris suddenly spoke up in a strangely sharp voice.
It was like she had eyes on the back of her head.
Unable to give a good reason, Lukas was silent for a while before finally opening his mouth.
“I was thinking about your strange hair colour.”
“Really?”
“Right.”
“…”
Silence fell again as their conversation cut off.
This silence didn’t make Lukas feel particularly uncomfortable. After all, the other person was Iris.
However, what about Iris?
Perhaps she was finding this silence uncomfortable.
He wondered what she thought about him.
When such a silly thought appeared in his mind, a bitter smile spread across his lips without him realising.
“Is Snow alright?”
Iris suddenly changed the subject.
Or at least, it would have been a sudden change if the other person wasn’t Iris.
Although others might be fooled, he was certain that she had done this intentionally.
It was possible that she’d noticed something from Peran or Lukas’ behaviour which gave her the vague sense that something had happened to Snow.
That was likely why she was probing him like this.
“I think she’s alright. I’m not an actual member of the alliance, so I don’t know.”
This was the truth.
After all, the incident had occured when Lukas was taking the test to join Snow’s faction.
Snow, who had been carrying out the test, was now in a near death state, so naturally, Lukas’ entry into the alliance was put on hold.
“Hmm.”
Iris made a soft nasal sound, but her steps didn’t stop.
She probably didn’t want him to see her face.
‘…’
In all honesty, Lukas wondered if he should tell Iris about Snow’s serious condition.
After all, he knew her well and had confidence in her as a teammate. If he explained the situation to her properly and formally requested assistance, there was a high chance that she would agree to cooperate fully in Snow’s treatment.
However, he couldn’t do that.
Because the one who had to do this was Peran, not Lukas. If he remained silent, then Lukas would stay silent too.
It would be incredibly presumptuous for him to mention Snow here, not to mention how disrespectful it would be to Peran.
‘I don’t think Snow is in imminent danger…’
At least, not right now.
She was certainly in an incredibly serious situation, but they still had some time.
‘…one thing I can be certain of is the fact that Iris’ current power is not enough to save Snow.’
He was sure that this situation would be explained in time.
“Your arm and leg seemed to have some problems.”
Iris spoke once again.
“Is that congenital?”
“No.”
To put it more accurately, they were acquired defects.
This was because his bones had been fused incorrectly when his body was being reconstructed.
“I will try to protect you as much as possible, but you shouldn’t expect too much. If this situation doesn’t work out, I will abandon you without hesitation.”
“Right.”
“…”
This time he could almost feel her click her tongue.
Those words had probably not been sincere, and were instead used as a way to feel out Lukas’ intentions.
…He wondered if he should give her the reaction she was looking for. But after thinking that for a moment, he soon shook his head. It was too tiring to care about that.
“Shh.”
Iris suddenly turned around and lifted her finger to her lips before pointing ahead of them.
A few steps away from them was a large clearing.
And in the centre of this clearing was a person.