Era of Peace.

Though it’s called that, in reality, it’s anything but peaceful.

The seas have essentially become the domain of monsters.

While the shallow waters might be manageable, crossing the vast ocean to travel between continents is no longer cost-effective.

The skies, too, are in a similar state, albeit through different means.

Flying monsters roam the skies, and more problematic still is the chaotic magical interference, which makes it incredibly difficult to fly aircraft frequently or at high altitudes.

This magical interference didn’t stop there. It even destroyed the once-unified global communication network.

Now, both physical movement and the sharing of information over networks have virtually ceased.

This helpless stagnation was one reason humanity was pushed to the brink during the Time of Chaos.

But that was then.

Now, it’s different.

The Power of Space has reconnected the world even more closely through gates, restoring connections once lost.

Without needing to cross seas or skies, one can travel to places all over the world.

The Power of Harmony has broken down language barriers and established a communication network far superior to the one lost long ago.

Sharing information no longer requires intricate cables laid across the ocean floor.

The World Transcendent Association, the force that maintains and upholds the current world order, owes its existence to the powers granted by the founding chairpersons.

“It’s an honor to meet a hero. I’m Maxwell, part of the association chairpersons’ direct execution team.”

[The pleasure is mine] [My name is Lee Hayul]

“Your words, Hero of Shipnaha, are overwhelming,”

The man who introduced himself as Maxwell extended his right hand for a handshake.

He held a polite smile and a well-mannered posture, with no faults to be found—a textbook demeanor.

The same impression I had from the False Second Floor.

‘Maxwell.’

Though I expected it given the unusual circumstances, hearing that name left me rather unsettled.

Maxwell appears frequently in the original work.

“Oh, please, have a seat. I’ve already prepared everything.”

He took my hand, giving it a firm shake, and smiled as he led me to a table.

True to his word, the table was already set with drinks and light snacks.

Though there was no threat, being inside Shioram, it was still my first encounter with him.

Using my Observation Power, I examined the food and drink, confirming they held no harmful properties.

As I took a sip, Maxwell spoke up.

“If it wouldn’t be too forward, may I explain the recent situation?”

[Yes] [Please go ahead]

“Thank you for your generosity.”

Maxwell gave a brief smile before taking a sip of tea.

“The phenomenon you just experienced is due to my unique ability. It’s a form of illusion ability, currently affecting the entire second floor.”

As he raised his finger, a butterfly landed on it.

A breeze swept in, bringing with it the subtle sounds of the butterfly’s wings against my ears.

...Magic perceived him as foreign.

My Observation Power conveyed that the space above his finger was empty.

Illusion-type.

An ability that deceives the senses and alters perception.

Ultimately, illusions are detached from reality.

To cast someone into an illusion, one must deceive their senses of the real world, and the keener their senses, the harder it is to work on them.

My senses... my hearing and touch, in particular, are quite sharp.

I don’t know if this is due to the suppression of my other senses, but it’s honed to a level where it could be considered a skill, even if not quite a unique ability.

Yet I fell for this illusion. My senses failed to see through it. That left me somewhat unsettled.

Though the strange magic tipped me off, I didn’t immediately grasp the full truth as I would have with my Observation Power.

[May I ask why?]

“Of course. But the reason is nothing extraordinary. I may belong to the chairpersons’ direct execution team, but, fundamentally, I am just a civil servant.”

Maxwell spoke with a casual shrug.

“As a civil servant, I follow orders as dictated from above.”

[Follow orders from above] [There aren’t many above you, are there, Maxwell?]

The association’s departments are varied, each entangled in its own chain of command.

But the execution team is different.

They prioritize the orders of the association chairpersons over even the directives from the Primary Committee.

In other words...

“Yes, as I mentioned, I belong directly to the association chairpersons... I carry out their commands.”

The chairpersons. He carries out their directives.

In the original work, I targeted the execution team while tearing down the association’s base to confront the tower lords.

I had hoped that by dealing with the execution team, I might eventually meet the Tower Lords of Space and Harmony.

I captured, interrogated, and killed members of the execution team, including Maxwell, but ultimately never got to meet them...

‘......’

The Tower Lords of Space and Harmony...

I straightened my face, which had instinctively tensed up.

[So, was your recent action under the chairpersons’ orders?]

“Strictly speaking, yes.”

Maxwell replied with a subtle smile.

But it wasn’t a straightforward affirmation.

Maxwell took another sip of tea.

“When encountering a special student, you are to conceal yourself with an illusion. If discovered, reveal this directive and proceed with the following instructions…”

After a brief pause, he continued.

“There are multiple instructions, but the part I wish to convey now is separate.”

And then.

“This directive was given approximately thirteen years ago. It is also the last directive passed on to the execution team.”

[Pardon?]

“I had a similar reaction as you, Hero. Hearing orders from the future so suddenly left me baffled.”

Maxwell nodded as if he understood my reaction.

But I couldn’t bring myself to respond.

‘Thirteen years ago?’

He said the chairperson gave Maxwell the order.

If he encounters a special student like me, he should conceal himself. If discovered, explain the situation and follow further instructions.

The problem is that this directive was given over ten years ago. And since then, the chairpersons have remained completely silent.

‘Future vision?’

Peering into the future is challenging, but it’s not impossible in this world.

The method is excessively demanding, and the information obtained is limited, but it’s theoretically possible.

‘If it’s a power...’

Most importantly, they are Tower Lords. While their abilities remain a mystery, it’s not unreasonable to think they might foresee the future.

Did they know about the current situation since thirteen years ago?

Or more?

Could they also be aware of the impending tower invasion? Then why the silence now? Is there a reason they must remain silent?

“May I continue explaining?”

[Please do]

“Understood. Please excuse me for a moment.”

With my consent, Maxwell reached into his coat, pulling out something small.

It was a rectangular card, about palm-sized, with a black background and gold accents. The magic shimmering on it felt oddly foreign.

[What’s this?]

“It’s a form of identification.”

He handed me the card.

I took it, perplexed, and he continued his explanation.

“To put it simply, it’s a form of ID usable within the association, granting high-priority authority.”

[High-priority authority?] [What does that mean?]

“Exactly as it sounds, it’s an authority card that enables you to mobilize association personnel. Issued by the chairpersons themselves.”

‘?’

My hand froze as I traced my fingers over the card. The implications of his words didn’t change, no matter how I thought it over.

Authority to command association personnel.

A “highest-priority” authority directly issued by the chairpersons.

According to him, orders I issue using this card would supersede those of even the Primary Committee.

In other words, it’s similar to the chairpersons’ own authority.

This was an absurd item.

[Why are you giving me this?]

I tried to keep my face steady as I asked, despite the tremor threatening to break through.

“It was ordered thirteen years ago.”

It aligned with what he’d said earlier.

If the illusion is exposed, explain the circumstances and follow the subsequent instructions.

One of those instructions, he says, is to transfer this authority.

‘...What on earth.’

I hadn’t been overly concerned about meeting with the association’s personnel.

The purpose itself was to meet regarding the compensation for the Shipnaha incident.

Given my achievements, I expected a few artifacts and a chance to make some requests from the association...

But suddenly, I had the power to command the association…

 

After a moment, I managed to gather my thoughts.

I asked Maxwell several questions, though none received satisfactory answers.

Maxwell, too, claimed he was unaware of the chairpersons’ reasons for remaining silent.

[Then may I ask for a few favors?]

“Certainly, of course.”

[Please issue a few new identities for me]

In the end, I left the cafe, essentially fleeing. Before that, I had set the schedule for receiving compensation from the association’s main headquarters and requested IDs for myself and Seoryul.

At least I had achieved the purpose of the meeting. Though, I had gained far too much, leaving my head on the verge of exploding...

The time was early evening. It wasn’t quite dark yet, with the sky colored by an orange sunset.

Dragging my feet, I returned to the dormitory.

[Cadet Lee Hayul, authenticated]

The front door opened as I brought the hologram projector close.

Kicking off my shoes haphazardly, I paused before entering.

After thoroughly cleansing my body with purification magic, I stepped inside.

“You’re back?”

Elia, sitting on the living room couch, rose and approached me in quick steps.

In her arms, Seoryul slept peacefully.

“You’re later than... you said you’d be.”

Elia stopped mid-step, her golden eyes blinking, then extended a concerned hand to touch my cheek.

“Hayul, you look terrible. Are you feeling unwell?”

[No] [Just a bit dizzy]

I was mentally drained. There was a lot to ponder.

While I’d learned some new facts, the number of unanswered questions had also grown, leaving me feeling conflicted.

“It would be best if you got an early night.”

With that, Elia ushered me toward the bathroom, suggesting I go to bed early tonight.

After some quick freshening up, I came out only to be pushed towards the bed.

[Wait...]

“No ‘wait’. You haven’t slept for days while caring for Seoryul. That’s why you’re so exhausted.”

[I still need to care for Seoryul...]

Though he’s been an angel without fuss so far, I don’t know what could happen while I’m asleep...

“I’ll take care of him while you sleep, so don’t worry and rest up.”

Brushing aside my concerns, Elia gently pushed me onto the bed.

She swiftly changed Seoryul into his pajamas, then laid him in the cradle she’d brought into the room.

Then, Elia lay down beside me.

The bed was luxurious and spacious, with ample room for both of us.

“See? Now you can sleep soundly, and I’ll look after him if anything happens.”

Mouth agape, I stared blankly.

There was something odd in her tone, but my mind was too muddled to process it.

A large blanket covered me, the warmth spreading across my body. The comforting heat deepened my drowsiness.

‘I’m so sleepy...’

With warmth enveloping me, drowsiness overcame me. I had a gut feeling that I wouldn’t have nightmares this time.

‘...It should be fine...’

Seoryul was right next to me, and if anything happened, my Observation Power would alert me.

And with Elia by my side... it should be fine.

I let go of the thread of consciousness I’d been clinging to.

Slowly, I sank into slumber.

A gentle pat on my back sped up the descent.

 

[Player Correction System: Affection Level]
Lee Hayul → Elia Seraide
●●●●●●●○○○ (76▷77/100)
「Affection」 「Gratitude」 「Chick」 「Guilt」

[Player Correction System: Exploration Level]
Quest 「Authority Transfer」 Completed

Points are being accumulated.

Points are being spent.

- Ding! Ding! Ding!

「The Tower Lord of Harmony is… ... ...?」