Ch. 78.1 - Soul Chess (1)
Edmon calmly unfolded the newspaper. There was no need to ask what was so important.

One astonishing piece of news that decorated every page of the newspaper caught his eye.

[Alterisha, the Alchemist, develops futuristic magical engineering technology.]

… Indeed, it was noteworthy content that could make the newspaper tremble with excitement.

In addition to scrolls and potions capable of storing magic, there were also mysterious items with functions that could greatly enhance the efficiency of all wands used until now.

The alchemical magical engineering of Alterisha was the realization of all the futuristic technology that had been imagined.

‘I didn't expect it to be this significant…’

At a glance, he was aware of the remarkable aspects of Delta Augmentation. The impossible combination of these two streams possessed value beyond imagination.

For those without knowledge, it was difficult to grasp just how significant it was.

Edmon knew exactly that.

However, after confirming that much, he was able to put his mind at ease.

"It's nothing. Anyway, Father will move quickly."

Bringing such technology into the country was a highly important matter. Various companies, the upper class, the Tower of Magic, and guilds were already in motion.

If the Atalek family could localize the items under their name in Adolveit, the foundation of their family would become solid.

"Come to think of it, wasn't that commoner guy babbling arrogantly at that time?"

What? The Atalek family refused to supply items to the Adolveit Kingdom?

It was a laughable statement.

Even thinking about it now made him burst into laughter.

They had no understanding of politics and society, they were ignorant, which was why such nonsense came out of their mouths.

The head of the faction came with their innovative technology and pleaded, "Please purchase our products," but the foolish commoner mistook the roles of the lord and vassal.

‘It was truly an entertaining comedy for a change…’

There was nowhere in the Alchemy City where the hands of the Duke Atalek did not reach, and most of the alchemists within the Stella Academy had deep ties with Adolveit.

Of course, Alchemy City was an inviolable territory of the country... but that was just an illusion.

If all alchemists unite or the unknown 'co-author' speaks up, or even the great 'Alchemist of Gold' comes forward, who knows what might happen.

Nothing significant would happen with just a commoner's words.

That was reality.

Ring!

At that moment, the telephone in the office inside the club building rang.

"Young Master, there's a call for you."

"Yes, I'll take it."

It was quite common for direct students who were expected to inherit the family to have their own small private offices within Stella.

Moreover, Edmon, being the successor of Atalek and the head of the prestigious Crimson Hawk club, had a sizable office.

Thanks to that, despite being just a student, Edmon Atalek had a telephone placed in his office.

It was a remarkably surprising thing to think about how rare a telephone was.

Although Stella itself was common, the presence of a telephone in a shabby club was astonishing.

Edmon walked with dignified steps and picked up the receiver.

"Edmon Atalek, I have a phone call for you."

“… Son.”

The voice that came from the other end of the receiver was none other than his father. It was rare for Edmon to receive a phone call directly, so he was slightly surprised.

"What's the matter?"

“Just now, I received a call from the Alchemists' City.”

"Oh, as expected, Father. You're fast on your feet..."

“They refused at the Duke Atalek's request, and the alchemists belonging to the "Alterisha Research Institute" have stopped supplying items to the country. By any chance, do you know anything about this?”

"....... What?"

In an instant, he was speechless. The words his father had just said were something he had heard somewhere before. His head felt numb.

It was unbelievable.

"H-Haha... Father, even as a joke, why would I say something like that to Alterisha Research Institute?"

“But it's true. It was the co-author of the Delta Augmentation Formula who made that statement.”

"....... What?"

A co-author.

He had never even met such a person.

Then a sudden thought struck him.

‘... Could it be, Baek Yu-Seol?’

His heart started pounding.

Separately, a chill ran down his spine, and cold sweat formed on his forehead.

"No, that, I..."

He couldn't continue his words and stumbled for a long time before barely grasping a glimmer of hope.

"Well, even so, it's unimaginable for them to dare to refuse the Adolveit Kingdom... It doesn't make sense."

‘......... Yes. As the Kingdom of Adolveit, they can even dare to influence the Stella Academy.’

"Yes, so..."

"But! That's a story limited to the realm of magic. Son, do you know where most of our country's engineering technology comes from?"

"Well, of course..."

For mechanical engineering, it was the Black Iron Empire.

For alchemy, it was Alchemy City.

Having realized that much, Adman closed his mouth.

"But... Father, you don't even know how much influence we can have on Alchemy City."

“Sigh…”

Father let out a sigh without even listening to Adman's words to the end.

“It seems like you still don't fully understand the situation. I trusted your exceptional mind, but what good is it?”

Edmon couldn't even breathe as he listened to his father's words.

“Son, it's a 'technological revolution.'”

"Yes?"

“It's a new technology that has never existed before. It's the ability to create objects comparable to ancient artifacts.”

"Ah, did you say artifacts...?"

“That's right! Even now, many alchemists are joining the Alterisha Research Institute, and even the 'Golden Alchemist' Beaurock Stonforge is conducting joint research with Alterisha.”

"Ah...?"

‘Beaurock Stonforge?’

‘That Golden Alchemist, really?’

'What is this...'

‘It's even bigger than I thought.’

“Yes. Your words must be right. No matter how revolutionary the technology is, in the end, they cannot refuse Adolveit. It's the Adolveit Kingdom. The strongest nation in the world, Adolveit. If we set our minds to it, we can easily shake Alchemy City. However... that would entail significant political and diplomatic repercussions. That's why our country, at present, wanted to find a peaceful compromise as much as possible. Perhaps... Alchemy Ctiy also knew that Adolveit would come out peacefully, so they didn't hesitate to take such bold actions. They wanted to demonstrate their power. In other words, the Atalek family was merely being used as a political tool in Alchemy City.”

“You need to lower your head and go in first, my son. Even if you don't act, it won't be long before our country resumes trade with Alchemy Ctiy. However, the name of the Atalek family will not be present on that path of success and benefits.”

Edmon didn't say anything. He couldn't say anything.

“Son, let me ask you again. Are you involved in this incident?”

...

Edmon Atalek still didn't answer, and that was already a sufficient answer.

Father remained silent for a while and finally left a few words before hanging up the phone.

“It's your own doing, so you figure out how to handle it. I need to talk to the upper echelons about this.”

Click!

Ring. Ring. Ring...

Hearing the beep sound, Edmon blankly stared at the receiver.

"No, wait, what is this..."

‘Let's organize my thoughts.’

… There was no need to organize.

Edmon clenched his lips and slammed his forehead against the wall.

"I have to meet Baek Yu-Seol. In order to make Alchemy City retract those words, I have to meet Baek Yu-Seol and have a serious conversation with him.”

But...

He had caused him too much trouble so far. He simply couldn't do it.

In the first place, the act of compromising his pride for such trivial matters with commoners was still unacceptable.

He looked at Hong Bi-Yeon with trembling eyes. Whether she knew the contents of the conversation or not, she was enjoying the situation in the same posture as before.

"... Bi-Yeon."

"Yes, speak, Senior."

Hong Bi-Yeon responded with a slightly stiff expression. She, too, had gradually sensed that something was off about the current situation.

Edmon’s lips trembled as he uttered that repulsive and detested name.

"... Can you arrange a meeting with Baek Yu-Seol?"

Upon hearing that, Hong Bi-Yeon silently stared at his face for a long time, as if contemplating something.

Eventually, after organizing her thoughts, she nodded slowly.

"Yes, I will try to arrange a meeting."

Ch. 78.2
It was a cafe located in Stella's Star Tower.

Although it was not a place Baek Yu-Seol frequented since he had few friends and rarely had any studying to do, it was a cost-effective café that attracted quite a number of students who were either commoners or from wealthy households.

The location was chosen by Hong Bi-Yeon, and it seemed that there were quite a few students gathered around, studying or chatting. It appeared that they intentionally sought attention by drawing focus.

As Baek Yu-Seol and Hong Bi-Yeon, an unlikely pair, occupied a table, it was natural that the students' gazes naturally turned towards them.

"Hey, those are the magic combat department kids."

"They're in the S-class of the first year..."

"That's Princess Hong Bi-Yeon, right?"

"Yeah, what's a commoner like him doing with her?"

While they chattered and whispered, Hong Bi-Yeon remained absentmindedly gazing out the window.

"Are you not going to order coffee?"

".... I'll place the order."

Perhaps no matter what kind of coffee or tea was prepared, it wouldn't suit her taste. However, he knew what kind of coffee Hong Bi-Yeon liked.

Baek Yu-Seol got up from his seat and called the waiter over to the counter to place the coffee order.

"One iced Americano, and..."

"Yes, and?"

"A Demitasse cup with Crystal Magic Coffee Machine, rapid preheating for about 5 seconds, using Tarevika Rainforest High Mountain beans, French Atalbica roast, brewed with deep and slow drip extraction for over 3 minutes. Please add half a teaspoon of thick toad sugar and one shot of espresso."

"....... Excuse me?"

"Should I repeat it? With the Crystal Magic Coffee Machine..."

"Oh, um, wait a moment. It's not that I want you to repeat it... the order is just... um..."

"It's not possible?"

"Well, um... it’s possible..."

The waiter let out a deep sigh and shook his head. It was because the profit they could gain through this bothersome process was meager.

Baek Yu-Seol also knew that he was being troublesome and causing unnecessary trouble, but what could he do?

The princess liked that.

After waiting for a while, the barista came out holding an iced Americano and an espresso with a face that looked like he was chewing on feces.

Baek Yu-Seol took it and went back to the table, handing it to Hong Bi-Yeon, who looked surprised as she opened her eyes wide.

The quality of this coffee would surely be much lower than what she used to have in the palace, but still, it was a coffee she liked, so it was understandable that she would be satisfied.

"......"

She closed her eyes and savored the coffee with a rather satisfied expression. Even though the price of that coffee would be no more than 8,000 credits at most, the way she sipped it so elegantly and gracefully made it seem like she was drinking a million-credit coffee.

"Hmm, it's about time."

Afternoon, 1:29 PM.

One minute before the appointed time.

Right on time, the door of the cafe opened, and Edmon Atalek walked in.

"......"

"You've arrived, senior."

He looked ten years older than when Baek Yu-Seol last saw him, and as their eyes met, he gave him a hateful glare.

He quickly forced a smile, trying to change his expression. The lackey that he used to carry around all the time was nowhere to be seen.

Edmon cautiously approached with careful steps and surveyed the surroundings. It seemed like he didn't like crowded places like this, but since Baek Yu-Seol chose this location, he had no choice but to follow.

"I've ordered two Americanos and one espresso. Oh, by the way, it's your treat. Pay up now."

"...... What?"

"You're not going to pay?"

As Baek Yu-Seol reached out his hand and urged him, Edmon took out a 10,000 credit note and handed it over.

What a windfall.

The Americano only costs 5,000 credits.

Baek Yu-Seol made a profit.

He took a seat in front of Baek Yu-Seol and remained silent, bowing his head for a while.

Baek Yu-Seol inserted a straw into his Americano and sucked it loudly.

Sip! Slurp!

The coffee quickly disappeared, and he intentionally checked his wristwatch.

"Well, if you've called me, say something. I've finished my coffee, so I'm leaving now..."

"About what happened back then..."

Finally, as if feeling impatient, Edmon opened his lips.

"... I apologize."

The successor of the great Duke Atalek, boasting a thousand years of history, apologized to a mere commoner.

In itself, the commoner should be satisfied.

That was how it should be.

It was more than enough in itself, so it should be accepted.

‘... Maybe that's why you apologize so casually and carelessly, thinking that's enough?’

Baek Yu-Seol said in a somber tone. "Is that it?"

"... What?"

"Is that the end of it? I'm leaving."

"Wait, what do you want from me?"

Urgently, Edmon looked around the room. All eyes were focused on him.

"Why are you asking me that?"

"You, you...!"

Edmon stumbled in confusion, then spoke again.

"I'm truly sorry! I deeply regret and reflect on ignoring you as a commoner. So, if I take back what I said before... can't we?!"

Murmurs arose.

Students began whispering softly. The fact that Admon was going to genuinely torment him had spread widely on campus, so this situation was very confusing.

Actually, there was no need to go this far.

Under normal circumstances, that was.

Baek Yu-Seol wasn't the type to derive pleasure from such forced coercion. He had already achieved his objective satisfactorily.

However, the reason for doing this was... to suppress the death flag of Hong Bi-Yeon caused by Edmon Atalek.

He was not an invincible and powerful figure. Of course, being a level Class 4 at nineteen was truly remarkable, but Edmon’s limitations ended there.

Further growth would stagnate, and he would likely live as a politician rather than a magician.

In other words, the threat emanating from Edmon Atalek was not a physical threat but a political one.

Therefore, he intended to gradually strip away his "political power."

It was impossible to bring him, who carried the great name of Duke Atalek, to a sudden downfall.

However, the day would come when his value diminished, and Hong Bi-Yeon could stand tall on her own...

At that moment, Edmon would crumble entirely on his own.

That was all he was aiming for.

Baek Yu-Seol didn’t care about any influence or backing. He simply wanted to gradually consume him, helping Hong Bi-Yeon become capable of devouring him.

That was all.

"Well, what about doing it like this?"

He took out a piece of paper from his pocket. It was not an ordinary paper but a "magical paper," a mysterious paper on which anything could be manifested magically just by drawing.

Although the words sounded grand, it was just a common paper that one could buy at a local stationery store.

However, in the case of the content written on this, it might be a little different.

"A pledge...?"

Reading the contents he had prepared in advance, Admon muttered in surprise.

Yes.

It was a pledge.

Moreover, it was a "Magical Pledge."

"Let's make a bet. The event is 'Soul Chess.' If I lose here, I will withdraw my previous statement and exclusively supply items to the Adolveit Kingdom only through the Atalek Family."

Edmon’s eyes sparkled at his words.

"However, if I win..."

He regained his senses belatedly and read the rest.

"Grant me the 'Permanent Attendance Pass' for Aslan Seminar."

"W-What...! Do you really think that makes any sense..."

"I don't dislike it."

"Wait a moment!"

Aslan Seminar.

A public debate gathering where the members of prestigious magical families with a long-standing tradition come together for scholarly discussions.

Only true prestigious families among magical elites could participate, and if one was deemed lacking in abilities, it might be impossible to attend or they could be expelled during the debate.

It was a ruthless debating society.

There were three conditions for attending the Aslan Seminar:

"Having attended last year and presented an excellent thesis to be recognized for participation the following year."

"Having a paper that can be presented in Aslan and receiving the transfer of attendance rights."

"Being one of the rising stars of this year's generation."

In the first place, the term 'Permanent Attendance Pass' didn’t even exist.

It only appeared to be a Permanent Attendance Pass because the act of attending last year, presenting an excellent thesis, and guaranteeing attendance for the following year had been repeated for decades.

So, the attending families continued to attend each year, and although twelve rising novice mages joined each year, most of them couldn’t last a year and ended up being expelled.

But did that mean it was easy to be among the twelve?

Not at all.

Even if it was just for one year, geniuses from all over the world competed to participate in the Aslan Seminar, considering it a great honor.

It selected only twelve individuals among all races, including elves, giants, angels, dwarves, and humans.

Thus, those who continuously attended the Aslan Seminar, maintaining their qualifications as desired by the world's genius mages, considered it as a form of 'power' in itself.

Why?

Because if they failed to demonstrate magical abilities at the Aslan Seminar, they would be immediately expelled and could never attend again.

Therefore, just by consistently attending with determination, it was more than enough to prove themselves as a 'prestigious magical family.'

The Atalek family had been attending the Aslan Seminar for decades, which was a significant factor supporting their power.

So, he planned to target that.

Of course, it was by no means a fair or reasonable deal.

Even if it was an item, it was the qualification to participate in the Aslan Seminar.

It was absurd.

However, there was an important point here.

"Soul Chess... Ha, it sounds interesting."

Edmon Atalek's skill in Soul Chess was already outstanding to the point where there was no one on campus who could rival him, and he even participated in world championships, showcasing his exceptional abilities.

He would ever consider his own defeat.

"... Alright. I'll sign the contract."

Finally, Edmon Atalek raised his finger with a confident smile. If he signed the contract with his own blood, the magical oath would be fulfilled.

"What happens if we break the oath?"

"Of course, I know. The moment the oath is broken, we lose all mana. That applies to you as well."

"Naturally."

… Baek Yu-Seol said that, but the truth was, he didn't have any mana to begin with, so breaking the oath wouldn't really change anything for him.

But that didn’t mean he had any intention of losing.