Genius Warlock

"Haaa… Indeed, an Archiver is an Archiver." Gretel remarked, employing portal magic.

Space ruptured akin to a whirlpool, giving birth to portals not just in proximity to Gretel but also surrounding her subordinates who had succumbed to Merlin's lightning.

Adorning the peculiarly shaped portal's periphery were tentacles resembling tongues, avidly devouring Gretel's fallen subordinates, irrespective of their vitality.

Merlin extended his greetings to Gretel as she departed.

"Cheers for the courtesy, mate."

"You're still a bit overwhelming for me. For now, that is."

Gretel left behind some foreboding words and vanished into the portal.

Her exit lacked the grandeur of her entrance.

Nevertheless, Oliver didn't find it dull; rather, he was increasingly impressed by Merlin, more so than he had initially thought.

After all, Oliver's knowledge of Merlin was limited.

"Ya alright?"

Having bid farewell to Gretel, Merlin reverted to his usual demeanor and inquired.

Oliver checked his well-being, gathered his quarterstaff, the damaged Corpse doll-Sniper, and the child inside it, then responded to Merlin's query.

"Other than the clothes I received as a gift being torn, I'm fine."

Claiming that the worst he suffered after confronting the Grand Master of the Tower was damaged clothing might sound boastful, but Oliver was sincere, especially since those clothes had been a gift from Edith. He couldn't help feeling a hint of regret.

Merlin, aware of this, simply chuckled.

To utter such words after facing Theodore…

Yet, in a way, Merlin found it all too expected. It was so predictable that it almost felt empty.

Silently studying Oliver, Merlin then shifted his gaze to the rapidly aging Theodore and the partially frightened Carl.

His friend and his grandson.

"Hmm… Dave."

"Yes, Elder."

"First off, how 'bout we go outside the lake to talk?"

***

Following Merlin's suggestion, Oliver exited the lake and ventured into the forest, which had been ravaged by the aftermath of the battle.

Due to the overflowing lake water, the ground had turned muddy, and broken trees and uprooted trunks lay strewn about.

"How did you come here?"

Oliver, who had transported Theodore, Carl, and Theodore's fragmented body using Corpse dolls, inquired directly to Merlin.

"Didn't I tell ya? I rocked up 'cause I had a gutful of whims."

Merlin responded with his characteristic sly grin, while Oliver met him with his usual impassive expression.

"…I sensed something."

"Something?"

"I've been keepin' tabs on this place through the World Tree since the conference started. I like to spy… And today, saw somethin' that made doubt my eyes."

"What is it?"

"Two Eves were fighting."

"Ah…"

Oliver couldn't help but exclaim. Eve had made a special effort to inform the outside world about the situation here.

‘Thank you… I hope she's not hurt.'

Oliver was concerned about Eve, considering that she had mentioned that fighting here would put her at a disadvantage.

"Strewth, it's not every day you see that. As ya know, one Eve's already a miracle, let alone two. And they were fighting each other. Once-in-a-lifetime sight, that is. Isn't it?"

"Yes."

"One of 'em spotted me and suddenly informed me of the situation here. That the hosts of the conference, the Life School, and the Alchemy Department were attacking the guests… So, I hurriedly came here."

"So you just arrived?"

"Yes, why do ya ask?"

Oliver appeared somewhat peculiar, but he didn't delve too deeply. It wasn't of paramount importance.

Therefore, he promptly transitioned to the main topic.

"Elder, thank you for your help. I was able to be safe thanks to you."

Oliver formally extended his thanks to Merilin for his assistance with Gretel.

While he couldn't fully gauge her capabilities, taking into account her spatial magic, fog barriers, unique mana, and fleeting yet discernible emotions, it was evident that she was no ordinary practitioner. She even summoned her subordinates.

The outcome of a hypothetical battle remained uncertain, but if it had transpired, there was a high likelihood that Theodore and Carl would have been seized from him.

In essence, he owed his safety and his gains to Merlin's aid.

"I reckon I should be the one thankin' you. You helped the people from the Magic Tower, didn't you? Might be a retiree, but I'm still part of Magic Tower through ‘n' through. I'm genuinely thankful."

"I'm currently an employee of the Magic Tower as well… How did you hear about it?"

"Heard it from Yareli, bumped into her today. She couldn't wait to fill me in on how you've been lendin' a hand."

"Miss Yareli?"

"Yeah, saved her when she was being attacked by alchemists and wizards outside the forest. That's when she told me what's been goin' down and how you're in the mix… Never thought she'd yak about it so eagerly."

"Ah… Is she safe?"

"For now. Why? You worried?"

Merlin inquired, seeming somewhat surprised. It was only natural for Oliver to not be interested in a woman.

Oliver replied, "Yes, I have something to ask Ms. Yareli. She promised to answer me. I'm glad she's safe."

Merlin smiled faintly, observing Oliver with an air of curiosity, as if studying an enigmatic and intriguing entity.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Elder?"

"Your mana's off the charts, mate. You been suckin' up all the mana from the lake, have ya?"

"Ah, right. Excuse me for a moment."

Recalling that he had drawn all the mana from the lake, Oliver approached the water's edge and knelt down.

"What are ya doing?"

"I'm returning the mana to the lake. I had extracted it to confront Mr. Theodore, but I don't need it anymore."

Oliver explained this rather extraordinary act in a casual manner.

For a person to absorb all the mana from Lake Village's lake and then return it was as unthinkable as a waterfall flowing upwards.

Yet, Oliver carried out this feat calmly before Merlin's eyes.

The remaining mana flowed back into the lake, defying gravity like a waterfall reversing its course. Merlin watched in silence.

"Ah… and I apologize."

After restoring the mana to the lake, Oliver returned to Merlin and apologized.

"For what?"

"My true identity has been revealed. I'm sorry, especially since you've helped me."

Oliver elaborated on how his true identity had been unveiled and once again apologized to Merlin.

Until now, the urgency of the situation had eclipsed this concern, but with the commotion subsiding, it became a serious issue that he, a warlock, had posed as a Magic Tower employee.

While he had options to hide or flee if necessary, that wasn't a viable choice for Kevin and Merlin, who had aided him. Thus, he felt remorseful.

"Don't worry. Got the heads-up earlier. Got a bit shirty when I first heard, though."

"Once again, I apologize. I got caught up in the story…"

Oliver glanced at Carl who Bathory had clung to like a rabbit.

"Does ‘don't worry' mean you have a solution?"

"With me years on the clock, I can handle any sticky situation. Already came up with two solutions."

"Oh… What are they?"

"Stitch up Kevin with all my dodgy deeds. Safest way, that. Kevin's a bit on the nose at the Magic Tower, whereas I am… Don't give me that stink eye. Helped ya out earlier, didn't I?"

"Ah, I apologize… Then, what's the other?"

"Bit of a gamble, that. Gonna have to take some damage too."

"Personally, I would prefer that method."

"Oh, you're fretting 'bout Kevin, are ya?"

"Yes, he is an extraordinary person… Isn't he your disciple?"

Merlin's countenance grew somber in response to Oliver's earnest words.

Due to the dense veil of mana shrouding him, it was challenging to discern his emotions, but Oliver could detect a hint of guilt emanating from him. He had witnessed Kent display similar emotions in the past.

"……Guess you heard."

"It just happened…… Ah, please don't misunderstand. I'm not criticizing you. I just mentioned it because I think the professor is really amazing."

"……If it's all good, can I ask for a favor?"

"From me? Yes, go ahead."

"Will you give me the authority to decide what to do with Theodore and Carl?"

At this unexpected proposition, Oliver tilted his head, and the Corpse dolls surrounding them emitted an eerie, sharp shriek, displaying signs of aggression.

"Baldy! Damn it! Kill him!! Baldy!!"

"Kyahaha一!"

The Corpse dolls asked Oliver's intentions.

Oliver raised his hand toward them, signaling them to Calm down.

"Elder…… What are you talking about all of a sudden?"

"Heard a rough gist of what you're plannin' to do with Theodore and Carl. But, asking Theodore the question you want will be difficult. He will die soon."

Oliver gazed at Theodore, who was clutched in Shamus's grip like a helpless animal.

As Merlin had mentioned, he appeared to be teetering on the brink of death, his life force dwindling. Perhaps 5 minutes? 10 minutes?

Furthermore, he was not fully conscious. His emotions were unraveling, tainted by fear.

Despite these circumstances, Oliver didn't readily embrace the proposal.

"The corpses are valuable to me, too."

"I know. That's why I'm asking."

Merlin calmly but resolutely presented his plea.

It was an unexpected turn of events, and Oliver sensed something peculiar. It was akin to the irritation he had experienced during a previous conversation with Bathory…

"……What's the reason for your request? Are you planning to save him?"

"Nah, can't do much for the fella now. Just wanna give him a proper send-off."

"Mr. Theodore?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"He's a mate. Could've easily been in his shoes, y'know… Even if he's a dodgy bloke like me, just wanna give him a decent farewell."

Oliver regarded Merlin in silence. Though the dense shroud of mana rendered his emotions inscrutable, he somehow perceived that Merlin empathized with Theodore.

"……Do I have to hand over Mr. Carl as well?"

"Yes, I'd appreciate that. He's a mate's grandson…… The punishment for his sins will be meted out by me."

Carl, held by Bathory, cast frightened glances at Merlin and Oliver.

Oliver, too, observed him, noting that while Carl wasn't as terrified as Theodore, he appeared deeply bewildered and desperate.

He still bore the scars of betrayal from his grandfather, Theodore.

Shivering, Oliver couldn't help but reflect on Colin ironically.

The boy he had been unable to save in Mattel.

"What will you do if I refuse?"

"What can ya do if the owner refuses? Just gotta ask 'em straight up, don't I?"

Unable to discern his emotions, it remained challenging to determine if he was genuine, but Oliver had a peculiar sense that he was.

Oliver hesitated. Frankly, he wasn't inclined to relinquish the corpses at all.

Both would perform quite well… Even if not, he simply desired to convert them into Corpse dolls.

Just because he felt like it.

Oliver experienced a powerful urge and glanced at Carl once more. The young man trembled, and thoughts of Colin resurfaced.

Yet, amid this compelling impulse, something intervened—something difficult for Oliver to put into words.

He felt bewildered and sought guidance from someone.

At that moment, Kent's words came to mind.

‘I like your personality. So, please don't be tainted by revenge, anger, or hatred. Those emotions are…… very addictive. I hope you don't get into them.’

Recalling those words, Oliver sensed his confusion and urges subsiding.

"I understand…… But there are two conditions."

"Tell me."

"There are a few things I'm curious about. Please tell me in place of Mr. Theodore since you are his friend."

"I promise."

"The second is, would you allow me to hit Mr. Carl once? ……I want to hit him."

Merlin turned his gaze and observed Carl, who sat hunched, captured by Bathory.

"……I understand."

Upon hearing the response, Oliver promptly passed by Merlin and approached Carl, with the Corpse doll-Bathory helping Carl to his feet.

Clearly, Carl, once confident, could only stare at Oliver with trembling eyes, devoid of any resistance.

Oliver mechanically raised his fist toward the defenseless Carl and swung it without much thought.

Slap—

With a muffled thud, Carl collapsed to the ground like a limp doll.

He was overwhelmed by profound despair, and it reminded Oliver of the abandoned children in the orphanage and the mines.

"Colin."

"……?"

"The name of the child who died in Mattel Lab is Colin. And he was more afraid than you were… just so you know."

Finishing his words, Oliver turned his back, not sparing Carl another glance, and returned to Merlin.

Nonetheless, Oliver could see that Carl was sinking into deep guilt and remorse.

‘Did I say that just to see this?'

Oliver questioned his own actions. He had felt a similar way when Colin confessed to him.

He couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but it felt like something he needed to do… it was perplexing.

"Is that enough?"

In response to Merlin's question, Oliver gazed at Carl, who was weeping, emotionally drained.

"I'm not sure… but it seems like my work here is done."

"Good."

"Yes… if it's alright, may I ask how we will resolve this now?"

Merlin smiled.

"Face it head-on, with truth and sincerity."

"Face it head-on?"

"Yes, with truth and sincerity."

(To be Continued)