The orchards of Na Mualan were vast. No matter how skilled Aryumon was as a 9th-class wizard, pinpointing Cheoriban’s exact location within this expanse was no simple task.

Cheoriban knew this well, which is why he had decided to remain hidden in the orchards of Na Mualan for a few more days.

It wasn’t that he suddenly felt attached to the place.

The paths out of Na Mualan’s orchards were tightly guarded by the Magic Division’s warriors and the Black Mage Extermination Squad, making it impossible to leave without running into them.

Sure, he could kill a few and create an opening to escape... but he preferred not to cause unnecessary bloodshed.

*“What a nuisance...”*

While Cheoriban, beloved by the earth, could deflect most detection spells with his anti-magic abilities, it was only a matter of time before a specialist like Aryumon would eventually find him.

Yet Aryumon was only human. With his limited mana, there was bound to be a point where his detection spells would weaken, so Cheoriban chose to wait it out in silence.

However, life—or rather, the life of a mage—never seemed to go as planned.

“Traitor. So here you are.”

Cheoriban sighed inwardly as he found himself surrounded by men clad in dark robes.

Black mages were far more sensitive to dark mana than regular wizards. Especially these ones—members of the “Black Cloud Gang,” a faction highly regarded within the Black Mage Alliance.

They prided themselves on their identity as black mages, these foolish men, and they had heightened their mana-detection abilities to hunt down traitors like him.

And their combat prowess was formidable, combining various bloodline traits and specialized abilities, making them an absolute headache to deal with.

...Why were they such a headache?

*“Because dealing with them quietly is a hassle…”*

The stronger the opponent, the harder it was to defeat them without causing a ruckus. Even for Cheoriban, taking down the Black Cloud Gang without making noise was impossible.

“Oh... right. Hey, let me ask you something.”

Cheoriban spoke, but the black mages of the gang ignored him, drawing dark, mana-infused claws and baring sharp fangs as they emanated hostility.

Undeterred, Cheoriban continued his question.

“Have any of you seen a black mage named Soya? He should be lurking around here somewhere.”

“Did you say... Soya just now?”

Even those who seemed disinclined to answer were compelled to speak at the mention of that name.

Black mage, Soya.

“That’s not a name someone like you should utter.”

“Sure, I figured as much.”

It made sense.

Unlike him, Soya was regarded as a near-divine figure among the black mages.

His greatest feats included... burning down an entire World Tree and killing a spirit to steal its heart.

*“What’s so impressive about that?”*

While a spirit might seem like a fearsome being to black mages, Cheoriban saw it as nothing more than a child’s play with an honorary medal for show.

“So, you don’t know, then?”

When no one answered, Cheoriban scratched his head in frustration, letting out a long sigh.

At that, the leader of the gang yelled, “He’s given up! Take him down!”

*Thrum—*

Dark mana rippled through the entire World Tree as bloodline magic, usable only by a select few black mages, began to manifest simultaneously.

Meanwhile—

*“Ah... what a lovely day.”*

Cheoriban glanced up at the sky.

The sun was shining brightly, the sky was clear, and the clouds drifted lazily.

Having to fight on such a peaceful day was a pain.

All of this... was just so tiring.

---

“We need to search the roots of the World Tree.”

At Aryumon Blurshun’s words, not only Elder Suhaksan but all the elven elders of Na Mualan stiffened with shock.

This was not a suggestion to be taken lightly. To intrude upon the roots, the very heart of the World Tree, was unthinkable.

“There is no other choice. If we disperse mana from the roots across the entire World Tree, we’ll immediately locate him. You know the risk of this situation, don’t you?”

“That and this are different matters. Even if he intends to assault the World Tree, it would be less dangerous than allowing you near the roots.”

“Hah... honestly.”

Aryumon understood the gravity of what he was suggesting.

But what could he do?

He was a scholar, driven by efficiency.

Wasting time over something as trivial as pride felt absurd when they could simply lower their pride and allow access to the roots. These elves, with their inflexible traditions, were beyond his understanding.

With such closed minds, it was no wonder they had never produced a great wizard in all of history.

Aryumon pondered for a moment.

He needed to make a rational decision.

Was it right to forcefully tear down their pride to get to the roots?

*“I must.”*

If he let Cheoriban slip away just to protect a bit of elven pride, it would all be for nothing.

“I’m afraid I can’t afford to spare your pride. Cheoriban is classified as a ‘Level 1 threat’ under the International Mage Pact, meaning that no one, even royalty, can refuse a search for such a target.”

“Understood...”

Most races adhered to a grand pact or treaty revolving around the practice of magic.

Every race was unified under a single, immense agreement, known as the Principle of Investigating Black Mages, specifically designed to target black mages, who were deemed a universal threat.

It was a law binding all races together, creating an umbrella of protection for each other, yet paradoxically requiring complete transparency in black mage investigations.

“Please understand that we have been observing protocol until now. But time is of the essence, and we need your cooperation.”

Aryumon was about to move on, feeling that a quick approach was best while Suhaksan stood speechless, unable to form a rebuttal.

But then—

“Wait.”

The voice made every mage present freeze in place.

Tap, tap.

With the echo of her heels, the door to the conference room opened, and a woman in a black dress entered.

She met the gaze of every human there without wearing a mask.

In the days when curses were potent, her gaze would have been enough to reverse their mana, causing them to lose control, but now, her magic only induced a subtle influence over their emotions.

Powerful mages wouldn’t succumb to her curse unless she actively focused on it.

*“...Queen of the Elves. I didn’t expect to see you here.”*

Not even Aryumon could afford to disrespect the Elf Queen.

Her trait, *[Soulful Allure]*, seemed to affect even the 9th-class wizard slightly, as Aryumon found his mind wavering upon seeing her.

“I heard you mention invading the roots of the World Tree without permission.”

“It’s not an invasion. The search warrant will confirm it... a Level 1 threat black mage is hiding here. We’re only pursuing the most efficient course for the World Tree’s sake.”

Aryumon held his gaze firm as he said this, though Flower-Embedded, looking over the warrant he handed her, shook her head.

“You’ve worked hard, but you won’t need to anymore. I’ll take over the search for Cheoriban.”

“Hm...”

Several elder mages looked aside, clearing their throats in discomfort.

Technically, searching for black mages fell under the jurisdiction of the Mage Association and the Magic Investigation Unit. Yet this was the Elf Queen Flower-Embedded’s domain, and she naturally had the right to lead operations here.

The Mage Association, however, had never relinquished search rights to a nation’s leader, as their abilities far surpassed those of any state.

With Aryumon leading as a 9th-class wizard and backed by 8th-class elder mages, the Association’s influence was so immense that even nations had been forced to yield to their authority when they infringed upon foreign territories.

This time, things would have been no different—except that the opponent was the Elf Queen, a mage comparable to a 9th-class wizard.

“The World Tree is my domain. From here on, I will take command. Thank you all for your efforts thus far.”

Her gentle voice held a mysterious allure, compelling the mages to nod instinctively.

An irresistibly enchanting voice.

She smiled softly, and though the mages seemed ready to offer her everything, Aryumon alone resisted.

“Sorry, but I can’t step down, Queen of the Elves.”

“...Is that so?”

“Yes. Black mage Cheoriban is extremely dangerous. We cannot allow Your Majesty to be exposed to such risks. I will relinquish command, but please permit us to handle his capture together.”

“Hmm...”

This was exactly the answer Flower-Embedded had anticipated. She had known from the start that this would be his stance.

Under normal circumstances, she might have refused here.

She was uncomfortable with humans treading upon the World Tree, and preferred working alone.

However... she recalled the words Baek Yuseol had said before she came here.

*“By now, some big shots are probably running around searching. Flower-Embedded, you should go and keep them in check.”*

*“Can’t I just send them away?”*

*“No.”*

Baek Yuseol had spoken with uncharacteristic firmness, which had surprised her, yet she’d found herself trusting his words.

*“Most likely, the one leading the Mage Association

 would be Aryumon Blurshun.”*

*“Why...?”*

*“The brownish mana trail indicates the black mage Cheoriban.”*

*“B-Black Mage Cheoriban?”*

*“Yes. You’ve heard of him, right? President Aryumon has been pursuing him all his life. If things go south, he could be a valuable ally.”*

Recalling this, Flower-Embedded glanced at Aryumon and nodded.

“Very well. I welcome your cooperation in the search.”

How Baek Yuseol had inferred that the black mana trail indicated Cheoriban, or how he knew of Aryumon’s connection to him, she did not know. But everything was unfolding just as he had predicted.

Baek Yuseol’s words had gained undeniable credibility. For now, Flower-Embedded set aside her disdain for humans treading on the World Tree and decided to heed his advice.

After all... he was the only person in this world whom she trusted and could rely on with her heart.