Magician in Type-Moon

Page 507

Matou Ike spoke slowly, then gave a sarcastic smile.

"By the way, Dr. Hartracey was kidnapped by a fairy when he was a child, right?" Matou Ike suddenly said.

Yvette paused slightly upon hearing this, then turned to look at him: "Really?"

There was a glimmer of surprise in her eyes.

goblin.

The word itself carries a strong fairytale feel, but in the world of magicians, fairies are a mysterious and awe-inspiring existence.

Most humans, after coming into contact with fairies, are often unable to reintegrate into their normal worldview.

The experience of being kidnapped by a fairy seems to be shrouded in some indescribable mist, concealing too many untouchable areas.

Some people even find their lives forever deviating from the normal path after experiencing such forbidden contact.

Matou Ike slowly said:

"The mention of fairies evokes many ancient legends. Most humans who are abducted by fairies are ultimately unable to return to the realm of common sense known as 'modernity.' This is a distant shore that magic cannot reach, or rather, a child of the abyss from which they can never escape."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the city streets, as if deep in thought.

Then continued:

"The rumors about Dr. Hartress are also interesting, especially the claim of a 'missing heart'."

He seemed to deliberately slow his tone, "It is said that the dean of the modern magic department was once kidnapped by a fairy, and his lost heart was never found again. That's why he got that title—'Hartles'."

"...Losing your heart?" Yvette asked with a hint of doubt. "That sounds like some kind of symbolism, or the price of something forbidden."

Matou Ike nodded slightly, "An irreplaceable privilege obtained at the cost of being abducted by a fairy."

Similar to this person is the language unifier, the man known as the Book of False Gods—Genmu Satsuki.

"There are many legends about receiving some kind of blessing from a fairy," Matou Ike said casually as he walked along the road.

"However, as time has progressed, the 'grace' bestowed by fairies has gradually become less pure. Modern traditions, such as the legend of half-fairies, have deviated far from the ancient myths."

He raised his head, as if searching for some image that reflected his inner self:

"Let's not even mention the ancient heroes who left their names on the Throne of Heroes."

Nowadays, the realms of fairies and humans are completely separated. In most cases, to receive the grace of a fairy, one must pay a price equal to or even higher than that.

In recent years, the story of the 'substitute child' still circulates in many parts of Western Europe, a legend that appears to be a symbol of calamity.

Replacement.

It is said that the children were switched with the children of fairies and raised by fairies.

"...A fairy?" Matou Ike murmured.

"what happened?"

“It’s nothing…” Matou Ike shook his head.

"I was just thinking about some things."

At this point, Matouchi's voice dissipated in the wind.

Snowflakes began to fall, mingling with the wind, gradually covering the streets and bringing a subtle sense of tranquility to the city.

The clouds gradually dispersed in the afterglow of the setting sun, as if wandering aimlessly, while the cold wind cut through the exposed skin like a blade.

As dusk fell, neon lights lit up one after another on the streets, adorning various signs. The colorful lights and chaotic slogans intertwined, as if the city would never sleep and would always be bustling.

“There are so many theaters here,” Yvette said softly, her gaze involuntarily sweeping over the buildings lining both sides of the street.

“Aren’t you a local? Even I know that this area used to be the center of London’s performing arts. Stage plays and all kinds of performances were very popular. But I don’t think the other person has any intention of coming here to watch a play.”

Matou Ike responded calmly, with a hint of amusement in his tone.

Before he could finish speaking, he seemed to suddenly realize something, turned to Yvette, and asked:

"Is this the place we agreed to meet?"

“Yes, they said they would send someone to guide us when the time comes…” Yvette nodded slightly nervously.

“Matou…” she suddenly called out softly, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

There were surprisingly few pedestrians on the road at that moment.

Or rather, there was no sign of anyone at all.

Although this is a bustling area of ​​London, where the crowds should be endless at dusk, it felt like entering a vast, empty world.

The streets were unusually quiet; even the sound of car horns seemed distant.

Yvette's gaze wandered along both sides of the street, finally settling on the outdoor seating area of ​​a nearby café. She subtly shifted her gaze, and Matou Ike followed suit.

An elderly man sat in a corner of the open seating area.

He was a white-haired man wearing glasses, with a cold and aloof demeanor, exuding an undeniable air of authority.

He wore a large gemstone necklace around his neck, the gemstones shimmering with an eerie light in the cold twilight, as if concealing some secret.

The man's fingers were long and thin, covered with rings set with colorful gemstones. However, compared to these luxurious decorations, the gloomy atmosphere emanating from him was even more oppressive.

The old man raised his arm, as if to brush away the slowly falling snowflakes.

This gesture makes one imagine that he is a being who has emerged from the shadows, and that the air around him seems to be under his control, with even the snowflakes dancing silently around him.

"I have long admired your name, Lord Matou." His hoarse voice was like a spell in itself.

It makes one imagine a snake coiling around you, its long tongue flicking out.

Matou Ike showed no sign of tension. Instead, as if he had expected this, he shrugged lightly and walked towards the old man.

He pulled out a chair and sat down in front of the old man.

Yvette, however, was somewhat apprehensive.

This is because the old man before them is the monarch of the Spirit Summoning Department.

One of the twelve kings rooted in the clock tower.

"Rufreus Nazele Euryphus."

Yvette murmured with unusual nervousness.

That is probably Lord Euryphus's personal name.

It is said that the head of the Department of Spirit Conjuring has been selected from a branch family for each generation. He was only re-registered as the adopted son of the main family, the Euryphus family, when he officially obtained the status of monarch.

Each name contains a unique rule, very characteristic of the clock tower.

"It seems... you haven't forgotten your promise." Rufreus's voice still carried a hint of deep hoarseness.

Matou Ike smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings before finally settling on the old man. His eyes were calm, but his tone carried a hint of sarcasm:

"You're joking. I didn't expect to meet you at a place like this."

The old man didn't answer, his shoulders trembled slightly, and then he let out a low, meaningful laugh.

"That's convenient... Please have someone else come..."

Rufreus turned his eyes.

His deep eyes darted around, his gaze seemingly piercing through the deserted street, looking straight into the distance.

At that very instant, a new shadow appeared on the street.

The image was initially elusive, leaving one wondering whether it had just appeared or had been waiting in some hidden corner for some time.

The perception of time seemed to lose its meaning at this moment; snowflakes danced in the streets, gently covering everything and blurring the clear boundaries.

That feeling of time being out of place may be another side of magic, hidden outside the ordinary world.

Between the falling snowflakes, the endless white expanse was pierced, revealing the figure of a young girl.

Her hair flowed like silver threads, swaying gently in the wind like a silvery stream.

Despite not looking very old, he did not succumb to the unusual and heavy pressure of the scene and resolutely raised his face.

Her amber eyes seemed to declare that she would never turn away from the cruel scene that might follow.

"Greetings, Lord Matou."

Matou Ike stood up, bent down slightly, and whispered her name:

“Miss Olga Marie…”

He gazed at the young woman and responded to her curtsy with politeness and formality.

Chapter 565 Expectations (4k)

-- More than ten years ago.

The Great Magic Circuit, First Layer.

The floor beneath his feet shimmered with brilliant light. The boy lifted his foot, and his consciousness returned to clarity in a faint, fleeting state.

He carefully stepped onto the carpet of light, his steps light, as if each step was in sync with the rhythm of the space.

This is not just a unique feature of a maze, but also the "vein" of the giant magical loop that runs through the maze.

It is like the lifeblood of this labyrinth, flowing silently through the space, transmitting enormous energy to every corner.

The first level of the labyrinth is adjacent to the mining city of Magisfia, surrounded by towering crystals, with light streaming down through the hollow ceiling.

These crystals are not only the target of mining, but they also make this area unique. The light emanating from the crystals acts like a natural shield, dispelling most of the monsters' intrusions and bringing a rare peace to the area.

"This should be the safest area, right?" the boy muttered to himself.

Although the roars of wild beasts could be heard occasionally in the distance, these problems were nothing to worry about.

Compared to the threat of Albion, this place is more like a place where people gradually lower their guard—humans cannot always remain vigilant, and even the most elite teams will have moments of relaxation.

"This is finally the last time I'll be here!"

Karl's younger brother, Jorek, laughed heartily. He always had a knack for livening up the atmosphere, like the team's "joker."

In this team, he and his brother displayed exceptional chemistry, and he skillfully bridged the gaps between the other members—including the young Ashira and the older Gesellsz.

Without him, this team would probably have disappeared without a trace somewhere in Albion, or disbanded due to various conflicts.