The Emperor’s Anguish And A Ray Of Hope

News of Vim’s escape from the labyrinth spread instantly. As expected, the Grand Court Magician was the first to notice the anomaly.

“Your Majesty, I have a report.”

Having heard the Grand Magician’s briefing, the Duke requested an audience with the Emperor.

“What is it?”

“It appears Vim Abel has escaped from the labyrinth.”

Ever since Vim left the Empire, magical technology had been in a state of continuous decline. Young people who once aspired to be mages out of admiration for Vim were no longer being fostered, and research into new magic had been neglected.

For the Emperor, who was already plagued by these headaches, this report was likely something he wished he could turn a deaf ear to.

“What?! Is that information certain?”

“Yes. Early this morning, the Grand Magician felt the barrier being destroyed and sent his subordinates to investigate. It seems the labyrinth’s exit was demolished by magic.”

“This has become a terrifying situation…”

The Emperor had originally imprisoned Vim out of fear of his power. He never expected that the barrier would be breached and an escape permitted in just one year. While Vim had always been extraordinary regarding magic, breaking a barrier cast by the Grand Magician—who was said to be unrivaled in defensive arts—was beyond all expectations.

“Do we know his destination after the escape?”

“No, it is unknown.”

The Duke had a rough idea of where Vim might have headed. However, he decided that now was not the time to say so and remained silent.

“Have it investigated immediately! That man cannot be left at large!”

“Understood. It shall be done.”

With that, the Duke concluded his audience with the Emperor.

“Perhaps… I should just have him erased.”

The Emperor muttered to himself in the empty room. Yet, one had to wonder if there truly was a talent in the Empire capable of erasing Vim.

After finishing his report to the Emperor, the Duke returned to his private office.

“You’ve finally made your move, Vim. I have been waiting for this for a year.”

The Duke allowed a quiet smile to cross his face while alone.

“Knowing Vim, his destination is surely the Kingdom of Leoria.”

The Duke spoke while spreading out a map of the area surrounding the labyrinth where Vim had been imprisoned.

“Leoria is a meritocratic nation; his strength will finally be evaluated fairly. You there—find Vim’s whereabouts.”

The Duke gave instructions to his most trusted subordinate.

“Report the results to me before the Emperor.”

“As you command.”

The results of the investigation would likely be known within three days.

“Vim, I believe that you are the one who can set this rotten world right.”

The Duke spoke toward the ceiling of the empty room. Since Vim’s disappearance, the Empire had become a veritible hell—repeated tax hikes coupled with absolute class discrimination. Deep down, the Duke had been hoping for Vim’s resurgence.

Vim Abel—the Duke knew of no other man who could become so truly earnest for the sake of someone else.