(EP-159.1) Squad #2

159 – Villain’s Squad #2

According to Professor Balan, the Saintess’s mental defenses was so good that the sealed Agares couldn’t break free.

The current weakened Balan also couldn’t shake Saintess Priga’s heart.

“The great magic Ars Nova is a form of mental manipulation that parasitically resides within the host, consuming their psyche. But if there’s a strong resistance from the host, a big stimulus is necessary.”

“What stimulus?”

“Something that will destroy the host’s spirit. An event that will shake the very core of their personality and beliefs-.”

A few events came to mind from Professor Balan’s explanation. Specifically, there was one incident that could shake the mental fortitude of the Saintess.

“Would something like the fall of the barrier and the shadow legion’s invasion in Ark fit?”

“Indeed, that would be excellent! There’s nothing better. As expected of Solomon’s blood, a perfect answer out of 100~. But destroying the barrier is currently impossible…”

“I see.”

I silently agreed as I contemplated it in my head.

The reason Saintess Priga became the boss of Chapter 2 was that she couldn’t control the rampage of Agares within her due to the intense mental strain.

That was how she turned into the insane monster known as the “Moon’s Daughter.”

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent 《Calm Thinking》.

All job experience +5」

It felt satisfying seeing the puzzle pieces gradually fitting together. It was like the relief of cleaning up clutter in a room. However, the fundamental problem still remained.

Saintess Priga.

I needed to absorb Agares inside her to become stronger.

Only then could I reach the level of Archmage and impregnate Aira.

My head was turning increasingly red, and time was running out.

“Is there any other way to draw Agares up from deep within the Saintess?”

“Theo-nim could take direct action. After all, I have recovered my sanity after confronting Theo-nim.”

“Hmm.”

“How’s your magic progressing?”

“I’m currently between the 4th and 5th Rank.”

“It is a period of slow development. His Majesty Solomon also said that he had quite a hard time at that stage.”

‘I see. My Mage level is 9. Despite dungeon exploring and using various types of magic recently, and accumulating experience points, reaching Level 10 seemed far.’

It was like a common plateau in leveling up.

Hearing that Demon King Solomon experienced a similar situation, I felt a bit relieved. I supposed the path of an Archmage wasn’t meant to be easy.

“Still, such rapid progress is unprecedented. If you continue like this, you will reach Rank 7 Archmage in about a decade or so!”

The prospect of becoming a Rank 7 Archmage like Aira was quite positive and hopeful. However, 10 years was way too long. I’d probably die before then.

“Is there a way to accelerate magic growth?”

In response to my question, Professor Balan got up from the couch and started rummaging through the bookshelves. She pulled out several books and began flipping through the pages.

“From what many researchers say, mana fluctuates in urgency and the threat of death. At the crossroads of life and death, a moment of choice, and the visceral emotion in between….”

“You mean one must experience the extremes to grow quickly?”

“Correct~. I’ll give you an A for that one.”

As expected…

As I was raising my skills in the dungeon, there was always tension and the looming threat of death. Even when I fought against the rampaging Professor Balan, I found myself standing at the crossroads of life and death.

However, that had been a little lacking lately.

As my magic skills increased, the nearby dungeons became easy. It was like fighting in low-level dungeons that didn’t match my level anymore. Naturally, there was no experience to gain from that.

So, did this mean I should go out looking for risks, like some sort of maniac? It was not like I was actively seeking death either.

But it was a definite path for rapid growth.

* * *

By the time I left Professor Balan’s lab, the sun was setting.

I had gone from Marmar to Professor Balan.

Having moved around checking up on my subordinates, my next destination was the infirmary, where another subordinate of mine was stationed, Kalira.

Seukseuk.

She was tidying her red hair, getting ready to leave.

“Oh my, what brings you here at this hour?”

“Just dropping by to say hello.”

Kalira chuckled in response.

“Well, that’s a shame. I thought you’re asking me out for a dinner date.”

“Date?”

I asked, perplexed. Kalira jokingly said.

“Well, being beside flowers such as Lady Lioness and the Queen, I never expected you to notice someone like me.”

Although she said so self-deprecatingly, Kalira herself was an extremely attractive woman.

She had a cunning fox-like charm, especially when it came to dealing with and understanding men. It wouldn’t be strange at all if there were several tails sticking out behind her back.

Of course, those tails were probably more like the stinger on a scorpion than a fox. Kalira was an assassin who injected poison into her enemies, after all.

I looked around and asked.

“How are things going on your end?”

“Well, many people come in sick every day. There are a lot who come get their flu shot since it’s been prevalent lately. Speaking of, does Theo-nim want one?”

Dalgak, dalgak.

Kalira pulled out a syringe from a drawer. However, the length of the needle was longer than my finger, which terrified me. It didn’t look Nymph friendly at all…

“No thanks. Rather, have you spoken to Miriam recently?”

Kalira was my eyes and ears in the Hunter’s Party, thanks to Miriam’s romantic interest in her.

Thinking about Miriam, who had recently claimed unjust treatment in the court, I wondered if Kalira had any news or information related to her.

Seuk.

Kalira sat down and crossed her legs, which in itself looked like a work of art.

“Miriam, huh? She’s been complaining a lot lately. I heard that a party member of hers caused trouble. There’s also something about a trial by combat. There’s been a lot of noise about that.”

Edited by: faker