Chapter 95: Delegation from the Lutein Kingdom (1)

A heavy silence filled the room as everyone turned to look at Ketal. “My name is not Patrick,” the Tower Master said, breaking the stillness. Ketal wore a puzzled expression. “Didn’t you introduce yourself as Patrick before? Also, why are you dressed like a skeleton? That’s some unusual taste you have.” Ketal wondered if people in this world liked something akin to cosplay, and that was the extent of his curiosity. Elene, regaining her composure, stammered, “W-what do you mean he’s Patrick?” “You know him, right? He traveled with us to Denian.” “Are you saying the Tower Master is the same Patrick?” Elene asked him. “Tower Master?” Ketal echoed. Elene looked astonished. “Ketal, this man is the Tower Master, the master of the Mage Tower. Patrick was just a citizen of the Barcan Estate. Why are you calling them the same person...?” “I am the Tower Master,” the lich replied calmly. “I do not use the name Patrick, so you must be mistaken.” Ketal still seemed uncertain. “But you seem exactly like Patrick to me.” The Tower Master fell silent. The blue flames dancing in his empty eye sockets flickered. The barbarian appeared absolutely convinced he was Patrick. How is this possible? the lich wondered. In truth, he had once controlled a puppet called Patrick, but it had been nothing more than a shell powered by mana. Its appearance, mana patterns, and even its personality had all been altered. There was no reason for anyone to connect that puppet to the Tower Master himself. He had operated several puppets like Patrick over time and had even encountered his friends while in those guises. Yet, no one had ever recognized him before. But from the moment I appeared, he immediately knew I was Patrick, the Tower Master thought. He addressed Ketal directly, “Barbarian who helped Elene... what makes you so sure I’m a human named Patrick?” “Because all your movements match his,” Ketal answered simply, as though it were obvious. “Movements?” Elene repeated, puzzled. Indeed, everyone there looked equally confused by Ketal’s explanation, except for the lich. He understood Ketal’s words right away. So, that’s it, the Tower Master thought. A person’s walking stance, the way they raise an arm, how they talk, tilt their head, or shift their posture—all these small everyday movements contain distinct characteristics. Ketal was now certain, based on those movements alone, that the lich was Patrick. The Tower Master had neglected to alter that aspect. Whatever he had been like as Patrick, he moved in exactly the same way now. How did he...? the Tower Master muttered inwardly, letting out a hollow laugh. He knew that those who reached a certain level of mastery could guess an opponent’s identity by examining how they used or channeled Myst. That much wasn’t difficult to grasp. Yet, to confirm someone’s identity merely by their everyday posture—the way they lifted a leg or tilted their head—was unheard of, even to him. Theoretically, it was possible. Someone with skilled observation, who thoroughly studied a target over time, could identify minute details. However, this barbarian had recognized him the instant he appeared, with barely a moment’s observation. Dumbfounded, the Tower Master said, “I’m not Patrick. “But your movements are exactly like his,” Ketal insisted. “You must be mistaken. Perhaps you met someone who merely moved in a similar way,” the lich replied, though he knew it was a weak excuse. One’s physical mannerisms are like a fingerprint, unique to each person. Ketal had to have seen it clearly, yet here the Tower Master was, denying it like a child making excuses to a parent. The Tower Master felt a pang of self-reproach for refusing to tell the truth, but he certainly couldn’t admit he’d been following them around in a puppet. While he was still spinning through possible ways to handle the situation, Ketal surprised him by not pressing further. “Hm, if you say so,” Ketal replied. I guess that kind of coincidence might happen in a fantasy world. Seeing Ketal’s easy acceptance, the Tower Master stood there speechless. He’s just... dropping it? An odd tension filled the air. Elene was looking at the Tower Master curiously, which caused him to lower his head with a discouraged sigh. So much for my grand entrance, the Tower Master thought. Then, he spoke again. “It looks like any misunderstandings have been cleared up. I’m the Tower Master, and I came here to help.” “Really?” Elene asked, clearly taken aback. “Yes, is that okay?” the Tower Master replied. “Yes, of course.” Elene nodded hurriedly. The Tower Master was one of the most powerful beings in this world. It would be immensely helpful with him by her side. “But... why would you help us?” “I’m acquainted with Barbosa, and this situation sounded intriguing after I heard the details,” the Tower Master replied. “Thank you!” Elene exclaimed. “There is no need for such gratitude. I’m interfering partly because I find it amusing.” ‘Oh?” Ketal’s eyes suddenly gleamed. He had been thinking of this man as Patrick, but he now thought of the lich as the Tower Master—Master of the Mage Tower and one of the world’s most powerful mages, far closer to the essence of magic than most people could dream of. At that moment, the mood shifted. Maximus reflexively gripped his weapon, and Elene took several steps back. A throaty laugh escaped the lich. “I’m sorry, but I have no intention to fight you.” “I’m not particularly looking for a fight, either,” Ketal answered. “You give off quite a fierce aura for someone who isn’t looking for combat. Are you sure you don’t want a duel?” “I’m sure.” Ketal was just excited at the idea of meeting the Tower Master. However, no one in the room seemed inclined to believe him. Finally, Barbosa interceded, cutting through the tense atmosphere. “Anyway, the Tower Master has decided to help. He has also prepared measures for the danger you mentioned, barbarian.” “You refer to them as Nono, correct? You said that if they harbor ill will, they could be extremely dangerous. You’re not wrong. They replaced even a Transcendent mage without him noticing, so an ordinary person would have no chance,” the Tower Master began explaining. However, he was the Tower Master, who was recognized as a Hero mage. “I examined the captured knight and found that the Nanos were made up of countless tiny, microscopic units. They were so minute that you couldn’t see them with the naked eye, and even with Myst-based magnification, it was barely possible.” The Tower Master grinned, apparently delighted by the memory of his research. “They were so unbelievably small, yet still functioned normally. I can’t begin to imagine how they exist. Still, I finished analyzing them. I won’t delve into the advanced details, but to put it simply, I created a barrier they can’t infiltrate.” “Really?” Ketal exclaimed, genuinely impressed. The lich gave a pleased laugh, clearly enjoying the admiration. “It’s quite the achievement, something worthy of being recorded in history. So, Barbosa, you really should thank me more than you have,” the Tower Master said. “I’m not sure I understand why it’s so exceptional,” Barbosa admitted. “Isn’t it just a kind of invisible wall? I can’t see how that would be difficult for someone like you.” “That’s why I say it’s pointless trying to talk about magic with people who know nothing about it.” The Tower Master grumbled under his breath. Ketal, by contrast, nodded in genuine admiration. “It’s amazing. Is that really possible?” “Absolutely,” the Tower Master confirmed. “Then how about air? Wouldn't you be unable to breathe?” “I accounted for that. The barrier only allows in what it’s set to permit.” “That’s incredible,” Ketal murmured, wearing an expression of genuine wonder as though he had just witnessed a miracle. After a brief pause, the Tower Master looked sharply at Ketal. “Wait... do you actually understand what this means?” “I do. It’s quite impressive.” Ketal knew Nano was extremely small—likely on the scale of cells. They could slip through even the narrowest gaps between particles of matter, so any ordinary physical defenses would be useless. Yet, this Tower Master claimed to have constructed a barrier they couldn’t penetrate. Even though Ketal wasn’t well-versed in advanced science, he recognized that repelling something so minuscule was, by conventional logic, impossible. So this world’s magic can achieve that, Ketal thought. As they say, sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic. By the same token, advanced magic is just as mysterious as science. The Tower Master, for his part, was equally astonished. Does he actually grasp the concept? He was aware that most humans believed their bodies were whole, singular objects, not made up of smaller units. Even the Tower Master’s own disciples had only a vague notion that he had conjured some all-purpose shield, never truly understanding the advanced theory behind it. Education alone wouldn’t suffice to illuminate such an idea. Ketal had to have knowledge well beyond the norm. Just what exists out there in the White Snowfield? the Tower Master wondered, knowing only that Ketal came from that region. “Well, if we have that barrier, we should be safe,” Ketal said. “Yes, safe enough,” the Tower Master replied, briefly regaining his composure. “So who will greet the delegation when they arrive? We will have to pull back everyone else in the castle just in case.” Barbosa answered without hesitation, “I have to attend, of course, and so must Elene. What do you plan to do, Aron?” “I can’t stand aside if the princess won’t. I will remain,” Aron replied, sounding resolute. “Then, Ketal, you will be here as well,” Barbosa continued. “I have no intention of stepping aside now,” Ketal said with a broad grin. The discussion was about to conclude. All that remained was to prepare and wait for the delegation from the Lutein Kingdom to arrive. Yet, at that moment, Maximus, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. “Your Majesty, I’d like to say something, if I may.” *** “Maximus...” Barbosa let out a soft sigh. He sounded as if he already knew what Maximus intended to say. “Must you do this?” “I am sorry, Your Majesty, but I believe I have the right to speak. I must say this,” Maximus replied. “Fine...” Barbosa exhaled again, as if conceding the point. “Go on.” Maximus began. “I understand why I’m not included. With the Tower Master here to protect everyone, my strength doesn’t add much. Princess Elene and Aron also must be present—no arguments there.” “Then, what’s the problem?” Barbosa asked him. Maximus’s expression twisted as he pointed at Ketal. “But this, I cannot accept. Why on earth is that barbarian involved in any of this?”