‘What’s this guy?’  

Tulan gazed at the man in front of her. A man who disrupted the atmosphere she was trying to control.  

‘He’s not affiliated with the Mage Tower. He seems noble, but he’s not of high rank, and from his attire, he doesn’t appear to be the son of a wealthy family either. His level is just at the beginning of the fourth tier.’  

Tulan quickly assessed the man and concluded that he was inconsequential. Even the apprentices she had carefully selected were mages of similar or higher rank than him, boasting prestigious family names to boot.  

Tulan was someone who could be infinitely cold towards such individuals. In fact, she had often used her followers to ostracize those who fell out of her favor in the Mage Tower, solidifying her position there.  

‘Is he trying to embarrass me in front of everyone?’  

She wanted to repay him in kind right away.  

However, Tulan decided to hold back for now. The reason being that Master Meltas was standing behind the man.  

Master Meltas was a respected mage within the Tower. Such a figure was someone Tulan wanted to win over and use to her advantage.  

Initially, Tulan thought that all this stemmed from a small misunderstanding or misperception.  

What kind of fool would oppose a master to defend a half-elf apprentice?  

The other party was a dull-witted half-elf girl who couldn’t even speak properly in front of people. Tulan was confident she could clear up the misunderstanding between the man and Meltas and turn them to her side.  

“Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. Could you repeat that?”  
“I said that the support for potion consumption should be entrusted to Didoa.”  
“Very kind of you. You’re being considerate of Didoa’s reputation. But, you are my valuable guests. I didn’t formally invite you, did I?”  

With a playful smile, Tulan created an expression that was both mischievous and friendly.  

“You are the ones who need my assistance and came to this laboratory. As the owner of this lab and the master, I want to provide you with the best help possible. So please—don’t be modest.”  

They say you can’t spit on a smiling face. Tulan’s expression was a perfect example of that. Her followers gazed at her with shining eyes.  
Tulan believed she would get the same reaction from Lishir and Meltas as well.  

“When you say the best help, do you mean—based on your vast knowledge of alchemy, you will perfectly analyze the potion and give us your optimal opinion?”  
“That’s right.”  
“Then may I ask you again?”  

Lishir presented the potion to Tulan.  

“What do you think of this potion?”  
“Hey, you.”  

She couldn’t hold back any longer!  
Sofia, one of Tulan’s followers, raised her voice.  

Sofia, who aspired to officially become a mage at a young age, was of high noble birth and held sway in both mage and noble societies.  
Even the official mages of the Tower and the city nobles of Bondales wouldn’t dare treat her carelessly.  

The man’s behavior was provoking Sofia’s anger.  
He didn’t appear to be someone who could act recklessly in this place.  

Sofia spoke with a subtle authority in her tone.  

“Isn’t this a bit much? It’s rather rude to the kind Master Tulan, who is treating you kindly without any prior arrangement, don’t you think? Moreover, shouldn’t you reveal your name and background before we start talking?”  
“...”  

Lishir observed Sofia with interest.  

‘Here we go again.’  
It was the moment Sofia mentioned Tulan.  
Lishir suddenly sensed the aura of dark magic emanating from her.  

‘Even Meltas was fine until she started mentioning Tulan, and then he suddenly started to feel the dark magic aura.’  

Moreover, that energy resonated with the energies around them.  

The aura of dark magic felt throughout the lab.  
The aura emanating from Tulan.  
And the aura of dark magic sensed from everyone except himself.  

Lishir had already shattered mental interference several times with the power of normalization.  
He had enough confidence to call himself the master of mental interference.  

At that moment, he concluded.  
‘Tulan is using her dark magic to interfere with the others through the lab.’  

He was about to use the power of normalization immediately, but—  
‘...No.’  

Through Sofia’s previous reaction, Lishir understood the peculiar structure of Tulan’s mental magic.  
It manifested only when the target was conscious of Tulan.  
And it had the property of dark magic only at the moment of reaction.  

Lishir focused on the dark magic aura he sensed in the lab.  
‘It has intensified since before... but it’s still not enough. If I destroy it now, the dark magic might not be completely eradicated.’  

He arrived at one assumption.  
To completely destroy Tulan’s dark magic, he had to fully draw out the properties of that dark magic.  
And the way to elicit that property was—  
‘More people must become increasingly aware of Tulan.’  

Activating the power of dark magic as much as possible.  

“Hey! Are you ignoring what I just said?”  
“...Ah. My apologies. I got lost in thought for a moment.”  

Having briefly drifted into thought, Lishir snapped back to attention at Sofia’s nervous voice.  

“My introduction has been delayed. My name is Lishir. I have no affiliation, and I have not received permission to reveal my family name.”  

A bastard with no affiliation or family to boast of.  
The gazes of the followers looking at Lishir became less reserved.  

“I am Sofia of the Lroten family, affiliated with the Gray Tower. Lishir, you should apologize to Master Tulan for your rudeness immediately. And please ask more politely.”  
“Sure. I apologize.”  

At that moment, Meltas intervened in the conversation.  
“...Master Meltas?”  
“It was I who brought him here. It was also I who intended to introduce him to Master Tulan. Therefore, any displeasure you feel is entirely my fault. So, tell me—what kind of apology would ease your minds?”  

The followers who had been pressuring Lishir were taken aback.  
Even Tulan, who had been watching them with a pleased expression, was also surprised.  

Master Meltas was a stingy man with praise.  
Many mages of the Tower wanted to be his apprentice, but not a single one had satisfied his eye.  

He was standing up for a man with no affiliation or family. A mere bastard.  
“Ah, no... How could I dare...”  

This man, Lishir.  
He was not just a simple bastard.  

He was not just a random follower of Tulan.  
The followers quickly made their calculations and took a step back, lowering their eyes.  

With this situation, Tulan had no choice but to drop her friendly facade.  
What Meltas was doing to protect Lishir also undermined Tulan’s authority.  

‘What’s with this old man? Why is he acting like this all of a sudden?’  
Tulan was somewhat taken aback by the situation unfolding more seriously than she had anticipated.  

It wasn’t a misunderstanding or a misperception.  
Tulan felt that both Lishir and Meltas were clearly antagonistic toward her.  

‘Could it be the barrier... no, the barrier is fine. So then... could it be—’  
Tulan glared at Didoa.  
Didoa’s gaze, which could not keep up with the situation and merely stared blankly at Lishir, appeared quite different to Tulan.  

‘Didoa...!’  
It was clear. Didoa must be up to something.  

“...”  
Lishir, sensing Tulan’s agitation, pressed on further.  

“Master Tulan. You still haven’t answered my question.”  

Tulan, feeling cornered, made a decision.  
“Sofia? Can you go and fetch Master Parojan for me?”  
“M-Master Parojan?”  
“Yes. I was supposed to meet him later to talk, but it seems like it might be delayed. I’ll explain the situation myself.”  

Tulan was briefly flustered but quickly regained her composure.  
At this moment, Meltas might be able to press her down with his authority.  
But what about in front of the others?  

Could she, as a master, oppose a mere half-elf apprentice in front of other masters?  
Could she convince the other masters of the reason for that?  

Tulan felt she could manipulate the situation as she always had.  
She smiled inwardly, watching Sofia go to summon the other masters.  
Lishir also nodded slightly at Tulan’s actions.  

Each with their own thoughts and objectives, the two fell silent as if they had made a pact.  
Tension filled the lab.  
And after a brief moment—  
“Master Tulan! What’s going on!?”  

Whatever Sofia had told him, Master Parojan burst in like a hero coming to save a damsel in distress.  
A somewhat stocky middle-aged man, he panted and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.  

Behind him followed several students like a tail.  
Tulan’s laboratory was soon bustling with many onlookers.  

“What’s happening?”  
“I don’t

 know?”  
“Isn’t it that half-elf girl causing trouble?”  
“Ah...”  
“Tsk. I wonder why Master Tulan doesn’t just dismiss her.”  
“I’m saying.”  
“It’s a problem that she’s too nice.”  

This was the ideal situation Tulan had envisioned.  
She opened her mouth as if she had been waiting for this moment.  

As if everyone should hear, she clearly explained what had transpired in the lab.  
Soon, countless gazes turned to Lishir and his group.  

Parojan spoke on behalf of them.  
“Master Meltas. What is the meaning of this? This is Master Tulan’s lab, is it not? No matter how high the position of Master Meltas, this is unacceptable.”  

There were not many who held a position higher than Meltas in the Tower.  

While Parojan was certainly not one of them—  
He nonetheless clearly expressed his opinion.  

No matter how high Meltas’ status was within the Tower, he could not surpass the combined authority of the many mages present in this room.  

“Ahem.”  

As expected, Meltas also showed considerable surprise at the situation, which had spiraled out of control.  
He cautiously whispered in Lishir’s ear.  

—Lishir. You’re certain that Tulan is using dark magic to deceive the others, right?  
—Do you believe me?  
—Of course! I’ve seen with my own eyes how you defeated that wicked dark mage, necromancer, and assassin!  
—I’ve never defeated an assassin. In any case, that part is certain. Thank you for trusting me. I will surely repay that trust.  
—If this causes me to step down from the Tower, you must take responsibility for me!  
—Are you asking me to become your disciple? Do you have to say it in such a creepy way?  

After that, Lishir explained his plan to Meltas.  

—We must make everyone as aware of Tulan as possible. So, Master Meltas—  

Meltas nodded and stepped in front of the crowd.  
“Tulan. First, apologize for your reckless actions in your lab.”  

Master Meltas’ apology.  
Tulan felt a chilling thrill.  
But only for a moment.  

“However, I want to make this clear. The person here—Lishir is a special individual with an ability I trust completely. So I hope you answer his questions earnestly.”  
“Master Meltas!”  

Parojan stepped up on Tulan’s behalf.  
“Do you intend to defend him even now?”  
“Defend? That’s a strange accusation, Master Parojan.”  
“…!”  

Parojan, who had been so haughty while being watched by Meltas, flinched under his gaze.  
“Tell me. Was Lishir’s behavior truly so wrong?”  
“W-Well, how could it not be! He denied Master Tulan’s abilities and praised her apprentice! This is an insult to Master Tulan!”  
“Parojan. What do you think this place is?”  
“What does Master Meltas think this place is! This is Master Tulan’s lab! And others are watching! Shouldn’t we show her a bit more respect?”  
“That was the most foolish response you could give.”  
“What—...!”  
“This is the Tower. A place for honing mysteries, not a place to boast of absolute authority and imitate rulers.”  
“…!”  
“Authority here is a byproduct of knowledge, and it must never be the other way around. I simply don’t understand. Could this really be so complicated?”  

Parojan couldn’t bring himself to answer and merely moved his lips.  
Other students looked at Meltas with sparkling eyes.  

It was a truly inspiring speech for a mage.  
Having delivered such a brilliant speech, Meltas felt a twinge of embarrassment inside.  

‘In fact, this is really our fault...!’  
While he spoke of the pursuit of knowledge,  
It was essentially crashing a party in someone else’s lab.  

If Tulan weren’t a dark mage, Meltas would never have cooperated with Lishir.  

At that moment, Lishir stepped forward, taking the baton from Meltas.  
He faced Tulan and said,  
“Master Tulan, I apologize if my actions have caused you discomfort. However, from my perspective, it was an unavoidable choice. This potion is very precious to me. I ask for your understanding as I seek the best possible choice related to it.”  
“...I will respect your wish to receive help from Didoa instead.”  

Tulan ground her teeth inwardly. What an insult this was.  
She vowed to repay this humiliation.  

“No, Master Tulan. I have no intention of insisting on Didoa’s help.”  
“What do you mean?”  
“I’ve already stated. I’m only pursuing the best choice. The reason I said I would seek help from Didoa is that you have been stingy with your consultation regarding this potion. Unlike Didoa.”  
“...”  
“Given how it has come to this, I must insist on hearing Master Tulan’s advice.”  

‘That bastard...!’  
Tulan belatedly caught on to Lishir’s intent.  

He intended to compare her with Didoa in front of everyone.  
In other words, he meant to belittle her while elevating Didoa.  

“...”  

The plan to strip Didoa of her identity as an alchemy master was none other than Tulan’s own.  
She had made sure to diligently build her knowledge of alchemy in preparation for such situations.  
Having borrowed the power of dark magic, her achievements were exceptional as well.  

Those achievements were not lacking for someone with the title of master.  

The problem was that she couldn’t compare with Didoa, who had established her position by transcending even her half-elf heritage.  
Most of Tulan’s accomplishments, after robbing Didoa of her life, were gained through Didoa’s efforts.  
- If you don’t cooperate with me, you’ll never regain your original life.  
It was only possible because she had psychologically pressured and dominated Didoa into complying with that unjust and absurd threat.  

But what about now?  
Tulan looked at Didoa, who was watching the situation from a distance.  

“...”  

She was still looking at Lishir with an expressionless face. But those eyes—  
Those eyes were shining more than ever.  
As if she still possessed the pride of being a master before she was stripped of it and fell into ruin.  

Perhaps even more than that.  

At this moment.  
Tulan was certain.  
The plans she had built upon Didoa’s unstable mental state were beginning to crack.  

But that’s alright.  
She could manage it sufficiently.  

“Master Tulan, why aren’t you saying anything?”  
“What do you mean why? Because I’m displeased! Isn’t that obvious?”  
“How could I be alright when I’m being compared to that half-elf girl?”  
“If Master Tulan voices an opinion here, it will be the half-elf girl who gets embarrassed...”  

Authority comes before knowledge.  
‘Master Tulan’ was the foremost alchemist in the Tower.  

Who could deny Tulan’s knowledge?  
The moment Tulan spoke about the potion, her words would become the definitive answer that completely defined the potion.  

“Master Tulan...”  
“Master Tulan...”  

Tulan felt the crowd’s attention focused on her, and in response, she sensed the surging power of dark magic.  
It was the source of Tulan’s confidence.  

“If you want my opinion that badly.”  

Filled with confidence, Tulan reached out her hand to Lishir.  
“Hand over the potion.”  

Lishir did not relinquish the potion.  
“Didn’t you ask for my consultation?”  
“Is there a problem? Didoa is proceeding like this.”  
“… That’s because Didoa—no, never mind.”  

Tulan carefully observed the potion.  
“...”  
Her brow furrowed, but not out of concentration.  
‘What the hell...’  

It was unfamiliar. And perplexing.  
Despite having accumulated various insights from her position as a master, she could make no sense of it.  
She could only tell it was a potion infused with strong power.  

Just a moment of panic. Soon after, Tulan thought it was better this way.  
If she couldn’t understand it at all, neither would the others.  

It would only make it much easier to obfuscate knowledge with authority.  

“This is a potion from the Derdal alchemists.”  
“Derdal?”  
“Yes. It’s an extreme pragmatism with no distinguishing features. That’s the hallmark of Derdal potions.”  
“You said it has no distinguishing features right now?”  

A smirk appeared on Lishir’s lips.  
For some reason, Tulan felt a chill run down her spine and hastily spoke.  

“Are you now nitpicking? If you keep this up, I won’t be able to hold back any longer!”  
“Lishir, could you hand the potion over to Master Parojan?”  

A voice devoid of emotion echoed across the space.  
Lishir complied with Didoa’s instructions and handed the potion to Parojan.  

“...”  
Suddenly?  
Parojan was taken aback, but he decided to follow her orders for now.  

“Master Parojan, please rub the mouth of the potion bottle.”  
“… What is this?”  
“You’ll feel a slight engraving. In

 addition to that—”  

Didoa then pointed out countless details hidden in the bottle one by one.  
It was a direct contradiction of Tulan’s assertion that it had no distinguishing features.  

“… For that reason, it would be more accurate to view this potion as one from the Gossralta shamans rather than Derdal.”  

A buzz spread through the crowd.  
Tulan was convinced the crowd would lend strength to her voice and prepared to shout.  

“Gossralta... Gossralta... I feel like I’ve heard about their potions somewhere.”  

But Parojan’s murmurs stopped Tulan.  
It was Parojan, who was completely enamored with Tulan.  

Tulan, flustered, spoke to Parojan.  
“P-Parojan...? Are you saying that Didoa’s opinion is right instead of mine—”  
“...”  

In that moment, Parojan’s face turned blank as if he had just woken up.  
Then he spoke.  

“Well, isn’t that obvious? You’re just an apprentice, and Didoa is… Wait, what is this—”  

The awkwardness spread like a contagion.  

“What? Why is Tulan wearing the master’s robe? Where’s Master Didoa?”  
“It’s obviously Tulan... Wait, what?”  

Tulan realized belatedly.  
The dark magic energy that had been surging moments ago had vanished without a trace.  

‘Why!?’  
The answer to that question.  
Lishir was watching Tulan with a significant expression.  

“Th-this bastard...!”  
Tulan lost her composure.  
It was the moment her mask was completely stripped away.