Chapter 37: A Risky Departure

Words : 1021 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 37: A Risky Departure "It’s not just powerful," the captain said firmly. "It’s still active. That makes the magic circle’s resistance even stronger. And on top of that, new magical beast have started to appear, ones that draw power directly from theagic circle itself. If we leave it alone, we have no way of predicting what might happen in the future." As he spoke, the captain pushed a diagram of the magic circle’s layout toward Segoy. Segoy took it in both hands and immediately stiffened, his whole body going tense. "This is...! I’ve never seen a magic circle like this before! Where did you find this? I can’t believe something like this actually exists!" Segoy and his assistant leaned in, staring closely at the diagram. Then, with shaking hands, Segoy spread it out on the desk. "Here! And here too! These are ancient symbols! A lost ancient script! Where did someone find this? None of us today could write this! Was it recorded in some ancient ruins?" "Segoy," the captain said. "That’s exactly what it seems like. If a mage stumbled upon something like this by chance, of course they’d be curious. They’d want to test it. Maybe the mages in Dalmasca couldn’t resist the temptation." "So, this could’ve started as an experiment? That’s what you’re saying?" the captain asked. Segoy gave a long groan and forced his voice out, low and grim. "It’s only a possibility. But yes, it could be something like that. And if they thought they could damage their neighboring country, Rosaria, in the process... they might’ve been encouraged even further. That kind of thinking wouldn’t be surprising. But then they lost control. The whole thing turned on them and swallowed them up... How foolish." As Segoy stood there in stunned silence, Shiao Yi spoke softly beside him. "So in other words... destroying that magic circle is going to be extremely difficult, right? That’s what you’re saying?" "Yes, that’s right," Segoy answered. "And because the magic circle is no longer under control, there’s a chance that things not shown in this diagram have already been triggered. In fact, the appearance of those blue-purple vines—that new kind of magical beast—is proof of that. I honestly don’t know what could happen next." "We’ll need to strengthen the forest’s barrier even more," said Segoy’s assistant, his voice full of urgency. "We’ll have to do everything we can to keep magical beasts and creatures from escaping the forest and reaching the roads or towns." Shiao Yi looked at Segoy again and asked, "Mr. Segoy. If the pattern drawn in the magic circle are erased, or if the ground itself collapses, will the magic circle disappear?" The high-ranking mage, who had been thinking deeply with a serious look on his face, replied to Shiao Yi’s question. "If even part of the pattern is destroyed or erased, then yes, the magic will stop. However..." "I see. Thank you, Mr. Segoy." Then Shiao Yi looked up at the captain’s face. "Dominic. I’ve thought of something I want to prepare. Please go to the royal capital alone using the teleportation circle." Dominic frowned and started to open his mouth, but before he could speak, Shiao Yi quickly added more to stop him. "Once you’ve finished what you need to do, call for me. Just think of me strongly in your mind. No matter how far apart we are, I’ll hear it. And when I do, I’ll come get you. Wait for me in a place where it’s okay for me to come. I promise, I’ll come for you." Dominic stared deeply at Shiao Yi and he didn’t look away—he faced that gaze with quiet calm, not afraid at all. A tense silence filled the room, so thick it felt like even breathing might break it. Eventually, the captain let out a soft breath and turned to Segoy with a command. "One trip is all I need. Set up a teleportation circle to the royal capital. I want to leave today. When can it be ready?" Segoy checked the time. "It’s four in the afternoon now. Let’s see... I can have it done by six." "That works. Get to it." "Yes, sir." Segoy and his assistant quickly go out of the office in a rush. As Louis watched them leave, Dominic stood up while still holding Shiao Yi in his arms. "You heard him. I’ll be gone for a while. Louis, I’m leaving the rest to you. Also, write up the formal report to His Majesty. It’s just a standard document, so anyone can do it. I’ll be away from my post for now." "Wait, what? Seriously?" As the captain walked off without hesitation, Louis called after him in frustration. "That’s not fair, Captain! Please, come baaack!" ... Dominic walked quickly, almost running, as he carried Shiao Yi in his arms and headed to his private room. There was no time. In just two hours, he would have to leave Shiao Yi behind and go to the royal capital. He had to speak directly to His Majesty, arrange for military reinforcements and request support from high-ranking mages. Honestly, Dominic had no idea how much time all that would take. Just the thought of being away from Shiao Yi—even for a minute, even for a second—was enough to make his chest tighten painfully. He went straight to the bed. He had always thought this bed was too large for one person. But with Shiao Yi here, it felt just right. Maybe that was the reason the commander’s quarters always had such a large bed from the beginning—to make room for something like this. Dominic kissed Shiao Yi deeply as he pushed him down onto the bed. While devouring his lips, he began to remove Shiao Yi’s long boots. He had recently learned that they came off easily if he pulled down the small clasps at the sides. Next, he untied the cords around Shiao Yi’s waist and loosened the ties of his light top. —Shiao Yi. Is it really okay? Can I make you mine? I want to leave a mark—proof that you belong to me.

Chapter 37: A Risky Departure

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