Chapter 374

Words : 2377 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

He was an old man with a long white beard, holding a staff adorned with gold ornaments in one hand. These days, magicians wear robes over neat suits, like light coats. In that sense, the old man before them was quite out of place with his large robe draped over shabby clothing. It was the typical appearance of an old-fashioned magician. However, he didn’t feel outdated. Rather, with his unique appearance and atmosphere, it felt like nothing could suit him better. Rudger knew who this magician was. Sage Limrei was one of the magicians he needed to keep an eye on. Rudger politely asked Limrei. “Pleased to meet you, Magician Limrei. I’m Rudger Chelici.” “Ah yes. I know your name. I also watched you fight the tiger earlier. You fought well, didn’t you?” ...His manner of speaking is more frivolous than expected? Though inwardly surprised, Rudger didn’t show it as he replied. “You’re too kind. But about what you just said...” “Ah. About helping people? That’s right. I see only three people there, but you need five to go in there, right? So I’ll go with you.” Not even asking if it’s okay to join, but saying he’ll go with them. Rudger didn’t know how to handle that presumptuous tone. “...As this isn’t something I can decide alone, I’ll discuss it with my companions.” “Huh? Why bother with such troublesome things? I’m telling you I’ll go with you.” “Even with that, we’re still one person short. It won’t take long, so please wait a moment.” When Rudger spoke firmly, Limrei clicked his tongue with an “Ehing.” Still, seeing him standing still, it seems he’s willing to wait. Rudger immediately took Roina to a spot slightly away from there and asked right away. “Is that person really Sage Limrei?” “Yes, that’s right.” “Why is he called Sage?” Rudger’s sudden question about why a Sage was called a Sage might seem quite strange but anyone who had seen Limrei’s behavior would quickly understand what Rudger was asking. “Ah. He is quite strange, isn’t he?” “It’s not just ordinary strangeness. The way he talks is just like...” “Like a senile old man?” “I wouldn’t go that far.” “Don’t worry. Everyone thinks that.” ...Then why is he called a Sage? Sensing Rudger’s gaze, Roina explained with an awkward smile. “Magician Limrei wasn’t originally like this. In the past, he possessed wisdom befitting the title of Sage.” “Which means he doesn’t now?” “I’ve only heard about it. They say he became like this as a side effect of pursuing too much magical knowledge. You know, in his brain.” Rudger understood what Roina was saying. So Limrei was originally a brilliant magician, and a person worthy of the title Sage but due to excessive pursuit of magical knowledge, his brain was strained, and side effects occurred. Because of that, his gentle demeanor disappeared, leaving only the appearance of a stubborn old man. ‘Is it dementia?’ Of course, it can’t be compared to real dementia. However, whatever the case, a 6th Circle magician whose brain was partially damaged wanted to join their team. The most important thing was whether Limrei was trustworthy or not. ‘Looking at his behavior, he’s completely like an old man.’ But his magical ability is 6th Circle. Moreover, his only affiliation is his one-person school named after himself. ‘Could this person be Leslie?’ What worried him most was how he approached them as if he had been waiting. Whether Limrei was First Order Leslie or not, from a position of not knowing, it was quite difficult to keep him close. ‘But there’s a possibility he’s not Leslie. The one I saw at the Order Synod seemed like quite a thorough and rational person. I don’t think such a person would approach in such a frivolous way.’ While he considered the possibility of it being an act, if the rumors were widespread enough for Roina to know, it probably wasn’t just an act. Whatever the case, for those who need to enter the mansion right now, one person is precious. “What do you think, Roina?” “M-me? You’re asking for my opinion? Someone like me...” “Since we’re close friends, asking for an opinion should be fine, right?” “Cl-close friends?” Roina seemed caught on that word and gave a silly laugh. Hmm. This one is also surprisingly simple-minded. Well, there’s nothing wrong with becoming actual friends, so he can provide some lip service. “Friends can ask for advice, right?” “Fr-friends...” With that one word, Roina was completely won over. She gathered her courage and shared her opinion. “Magician Limrei should be fine. Despite his personality, his knowledge and abilities haven’t gone anywhere. Rather, he’ll be helpful.” “The problem is his quite self-centered and prideful personality. Though I don’t know him well, I could clearly feel it even from our brief conversation.” “Well, that’s...considering his ability, isn’t that something we can endure?” Unable to think of a proper solution, Roina suggested something like just putting up with it. “For now, I’ll have to consider accepting the proposal in a positive direction.” “Yes. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks.” After reaching an agreement, the two returned to where Limrei was. While they were planning to accept him, they worried about how to handle his willful personality. However, that worry was surprisingly easily resolved thanks to Arpa. “Kekeke. So, you find this old man’s stories that interesting?” “Yes! They’re super interesting!” Arpa listened to Limrei’s stories with innocent laughter. During the time Rudger was away, the two had somehow become friends and were having a friendly conversation. What was surprising was Limrei’s attitude toward Arpa. Limrei’s previous sensitive and disgruntled expression was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a full smile. He looked just like a doting grandfather showing affection to his grandchild. “You seem to have gotten along well.” When Rudger asked, Limrei quickly erased the bright smile he had been showing and turned to Rudger. “What! Why did you take so long! Making this old man wait!” “...We had an important conversation that took longer than expected.” “No, when I say I’ll go with you, why do you keep being so stiff? Huh?” Limrei frowned as if this whole situation was quite irritating. “Grandpa. Don’t be angry.” That’s when Arpa stepped in. When Arpa smiled and soothed Limrei, he immediately brightened his face. “Hohoho. Yes. When our Arpa says so, this old man must listen. Yes.” “...” Rudger felt strange about his attitude changing like putting on a mask. Is this guy really senile? Still, it was fortunate. Looking at the current scene, Limrei wouldn’t act recklessly. ‘If Arpa can handle Sage Limrei, now we just need one more person.’ While considering finding a suitable person around, another familiar face approached first. “Looks like there’s one spot open.” “...Sempas.” “Would it be alright if I joined?” Sempas, who looked like a homeless person. The magician known by the alias Mad Dog had come to them directly. “Why did you suddenly come to us?” “Other magicians wouldn’t accept me.” “I see.” It would certainly be a big risk to take in Sempas, known as Mad Dog. “I didn’t know you were interested in the mansion too.” “Though I can only fight, I’m still a magician after all. Especially recently, I’ve hit a wall, so I thought maybe this mansion might have a way to overcome it.” Since Sempas’ opinion was reasonable, Rudger thought for a moment. He didn’t think anyone better would come if he turned Sempas away here. ‘The Mad Dog alias is concerning, but at least his attitude toward me is quite docile, so it’s not bad.’ Moreover, his magical ability was excellent, and above all, his fighting style being similar to his own worked quite favorably. “Alright. I’ll be in your care for three days.” “That’s my line.” The two shook hands lightly. With this, a total of five people had gathered, meeting the minimum number required to enter the mansion. As they moved toward the mansion, there were quite a lot of gazes coming from around them. Though they all pretended not to, they were showing considerable wariness toward them. ‘Well, that’s understandable.’ In a team of just five people, there are two 6th Circle Lexer magicians. Moreover, one is Sempas, a veteran of practical magic, and another is a young boy who exhibits superhuman strength. And finally, Rudger Chelici who appears to be the team’s leader. ‘But looking at the reality, it’s not such an attractive combination.’ There are two Lexer magicians, but one is a stubborn old man with an eccentric personality, and the other is a shy person with zero sociability and self-esteem. Moreover, the practical magic veteran is called Mad Dog, a crazy battle maniac who immediately picks fights when eye contact is made. Add to that an automaton still lacking in knowledge. It’s truly a suicide squad if there ever was one. ‘Am I the most normal one here?’ If the companions had heard that, they would have lamented about his conscience. Especially Hans, who knows the most about Rudger’s past, would have thought this person had finally gone crazy. Fortunately, no one anywhere knew Rudger’s inner thoughts. “Let’s go in.” Rudger led the team toward the mansion. The wide-open mansion felt somewhat eerie and the thick fog added the finishing touch to that atmosphere. “The garden is well-maintained.” That’s when Arpa tried to touch a flower in the garden. “Be careful!” When Roina shouted in alarm, Arpa asked with innocent eyes. “Why?” “What do you mean why? You shouldn’t touch the plants in this mansion carelessly! They’re all plants imbued with magical power, so we don’t know what dangers they might have!” “Dangers?” “Like having poison, or biting off hands, or causing hallucinations, or melting skin. There are so many such cases!” Arpa nodded as if finally understanding. “There are all sorts of dangers from the garden.” “The garden is rather better. As long as you follow the paths on the ground well, nothing particular will happen.” No wonder the surrounding magicians were also orderly following only the paths. The group passed through the garden and finally stood at the entrance of the mansion. The door was wide open, but the figures of people who had entered earlier weren’t visible. “I’m going in.” Rudger said that and took the first step. The companions also followed him toward the inside of the mansion. Rudger, who had entered the mansion, looked back. His companions had properly followed him but the scenery beyond them was completely different. “Fog?” While there was no problem seeing inside from outside the mansion, looking outside from inside, nothing could be seen as if there was smog. “What are you so surprised about?” Limrei clicked his tongue seeing Rudger like that. “It’s not like this is your first time here.” “It is my first time.” “What? Then what have you been doing until now without coming!” “I was very busy.” Very busy indeed. Living while changing identities every year. “Can’t come when busy?” “If I’m busy, wouldn’t it be natural that I can’t come?” “Ehing. You won’t give in even a word.” “So may I ask why it’s in such a state?” “None of your business!” If that’s how you want to be. Rudger gave Arpa a signal with his eyes. Receiving that signal, Arpa immediately went into action. “Grandpa. Why can’t we see anything outside? I’m curious too!” “What? Huh. Yes, if our Arpa is curious, I must answer.” How long has it been since they met and already it’s ‘our Arpa’? Rudger felt strangely offended but decided to let it pass. “This mansion is enveloped in mysterious power. You all know that from what you’ve heard. And there’s also a minimum number of people required to enter here.” “Yes, that’s right.” “I wasn’t talking to you!” “...” Better not speak. “As you can see, after we came in, there won’t be people following us in.” “Oh? That’s really true!” “That’s the power of this mansion. Communication with the outside is cut off, and people who enter through the entrance become scattered. The need for a minimum of 5 people is to minimize that scattering situation.” Rudger finally understood why 5 or more people entered together. Because those who entered the mansion with fewer people never came out again. At this point, it could be called the Mansion of Horror rather than the Mansion of Secrets. “Then, are we okay?” “Of course. There are rules to follow here. If you follow them well, there shouldn’t be any particular problems.” Rules, huh. By now, he was even curious. “And this place’s layout changes periodically. So depending on the time, you might be able to go where you want, or you might not. Just because you came like this now doesn’t mean you can move carelessly. You need to set a destination.” “Isn’t the destination already set? We’re going to the library.” “Hmph. Everyone thinks the same.” “Weren’t you planning to go to the library too, sir?” Limrei pretended not to hear the words that hit the mark. “Let’s walk for now.” The group slowly walked through the mansion’s corridor. With no map and no nameplates, there was no way except checking each room one by one. For that, they needed to start diligently looking around from now. After walking for 5 minutes like that, the group encountered a difficulty from the start. “That’s...” Rudger discovered someone collapsed on one side of the corridor. There were red marks all around him as he leaned against one wall. It was a corpse, moreover, the corpse of a magician who had just entered the mansion.

Chapter 374

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