Deep beneath Sacris.

  In a place where the bustle of the city could never reach, there was a certain top-secret facility. Numerous ancient grimoires were stored there, and many suspicious mechanical devices filled the space. Some were clearly illegal artifacts.

  In a room at the back of the facility, two figures wearing suspicious masks were conversing. The masks were decorated with glittering designs, looking as if they were used for some occult ritual. It seemed that magic to alter voice quality had been cast on them, making their voices sound inorganic, like machine audio.

  It was difficult to determine their gender from their voices alone, but judging from their physiques, one seemed to be a man and the other a woman.

  "How goes the plan?"

  "Smoothly. Of course, Master."

  "Good. Keep it up."

  The man called Master said so in a satisfied voice.

  "Yes, sir."

  The woman maintained a respectful tone throughout. She appeared to be his subordinate. The Master nodded once with a "Hmm" and continued the conversation.

  "Now then. I've learned that an item crucial to our next phase lies dormant within that place. We must secure it at all costs."

  "But that place is..."

  "Indeed. That place is a Legacy of Edel. Security is tight. It would be troublesome if they called for reinforcements. We could force our way through, but if we make a flashy move, there is a risk of attracting the Capital's attention. Now is not the time to stand out yet."

  "In that case, I have an idea."

  "Hoh. Let's hear it."

  The woman laughed quietly behind her mask.

  "The Stardust Festival. At that time, the majority of the personnel belonging to the Magic Corps and Sword Corps will be assigned to town security."

  "Hoh. And?"

  "So, we incite Vester and his group to cause a disturbance. While they divert their forces there, we sneak in and complete the objective."

  "Hmm. That is a good plan."

  The Master showed admiration. Feeling somewhat pleased by this, the masked woman immediately began to flesh out the details of the proposal.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "Where and on what scale should we cause the disturbance?"

  "A moderate scale should suffice. If it's too large, it would be bad if they called for forces from the Capital after all."

  "As you say."

  "The location... let's see. How about the Coliseum?"

  Hearing the location, the woman's face clouded beneath her mask.

  "The Coliseum?"

  "Yeah. How about the final day, the third day? The day the Magic Combat Finals Tournament is held. Many people will be gathered. It would be perfect to execute an act of terror there."

  She worried a little, but in the end, she decided to offer her opinion.

  "That is the center of the town. Security is strict too. Even Vester might not be able to escape."

  She didn't like that rough man, but she felt a pang of conscience about assigning a mission that was essentially a suicide run. However, the Master acted as if he didn't care at all.

  "I've been thinking. He is a little too volatile. He lacks prudence."

  "That is true, but... no."

  She could already predict his next words. Because the Master is cold-hearted and cruel.

  "Honestly, if this goes well, he's a pawn I no longer need. If he manages to pull it off and withdraw, fine. If not—I intend to dispose of him here."

  "I see... So that was your thought. You will entrust it to him, then."

  "That is my intention."

  The man nodded in a good mood at the intelligent woman who understood without him saying everything. He lifted his mask slightly and sipped a black liquid that looked like coffee. Then, he spoke as if making small talk.

  "By the way, this term's Magic Academy has gathered students with such aptitude that one could call it a Golden Generation."

  "It seems so."

  "Their aptitude is truly wonderful. Especially Argus Ozbein; he is in a class of his own. Also, the child named Yu Hoshimi who enrolled this year is still developing but possesses wonderful potential."

  "Indeed. It has never happened before that such outstanding talents meet at once."

  That was a point she agreed with too. Usually, one hand is enough to count the promising freshmen they have their eyes on, but this year, even bending all fingers on both hands is slightly insufficient.

  "Well? Are there any we can draw to our side?"

  "I think we can get a few. However, regarding the two you just mentioned, Master... honestly, we probably cannot expect much."

  "Is that so. A pity."

  "If we could draw them in, they would become wonderful pawns. But if it is impossible..."

  "They might become troublesome existences eventually, huh?"

  "Yes. I think so."

  She asserted firmly. If a capable mage overflowing with a sense of justice like Argus were to learn of this grand and evil plan someday, he would become a great enemy and stand in our way. She had such a premonition.

  He himself is already strong enough that he cannot be easily meddled with, but for the other child, it's a different story. If they cannot be drawn to our side, wouldn't it be better to dispose of them now while they are still budding? She spoke with that thought in mind, but it seemed the Master didn't perceive it to that extent.

  "Hmm... But they are merely students after all. Just leave them be. Who knows, they might become our limbs someday, right?"

  Behind the mask, the woman clouded her expression slightly again. However, the man didn't seem to notice her state. If the Master says so, she decided not to say any more and follow his will.

  "Now, that's enough talk. Let us both strive for our purpose."

  "Yes. Without fail, as per Master's will."

  "Mhm. I'm counting on you."

  "Then, I have some remaining human experimentation to do. Excuse me."

  The woman bowed and exited. The sound of footsteps echoing clack-clack on the hard stone floor faded away.

  After that, the man read through sentences written in an ancient language for a while. Then, there was a light knock on the door.

  "Enter."

  The door opened.

  "You look well. Master Megil."

  "Oh. It's you. I was just talking about you a little while ago."