Good Timing

The Red Gate incident began to rapidly become a major issue.

That was because the number of Awakeners the United Kingdom had mobilized to stop the Red Gate incident had reached over twenty thousand, and contrary to the expectation that, since they had already completed the subjugation, they only had to deal with the colossal monster, the Gate where the Break had occurred spewed out countless monsters and caused enormous damage.

There were evaluations saying that if a large number of master-class Awakeners had not been deployed at the initial stage and had failed to respond properly to the colossal monster, the area around the Red Gate might have been transformed into a wasteland by the monsters that poured out one after another.

However, as the damage the United Kingdom suffered while responding to this Gate incident became known, it began to raise alarm throughout the entire world.

“Several master-class Awakeners have died, and it is estimated that the number of Awakener casualties also exceeds three thousand. The United Kingdom’s surrounding circumstances are not especially comfortable either, so they are controlling information, but based on the partial release of battle footage and the calculable range of casualties, it has been confirmed that more than ten percent of the United Kingdom’s forces suffered losses.”

Kim Dae-san, who was listening to Min Tae-jin’s words, pondered with a grave expression.

“So what is it that the Association Chairman wishes to say?”

“I would like the Red Gate to be investigated on a large scale. Even if not that, then at least to place observers inside so that we can respond if an emergency arises.”

The United Kingdom had deployed a large amount of manpower for the internal investigation and many researchers had suffered harm.

So he was saying that, since Korea likewise planned to send many researchers inside in order to investigate the Red Gate, they should prepare in advance.

“There was a window of time before the Red Gate would Break. The initial appearance of the colossal monster is the issue, and what comes after is regarded as the problem. The investigation must certainly proceed. Therefore, I believe it is right to mobilize the greatest force we can use.”

Min Tae-jin’s claim was certainly something that had to be carried out. And the damage suffered by the United Kingdom was no small matter.

Korea was in a situation where it could not afford to suffer damage, even because of the war.

Moreover, the situation of the Red Gate causing an abnormal mutation had struck the entire world. As a result, the possibility had arisen that Japan and China might once again engage in military action.

If the worst were to happen, they would have to suffer hardship from both inside and outside.

“So then, who is the greatest ‘card’ that Chairman Min Tae-jin has in mind?”

“The Worst.”

It was something that could not help but give rise to concern.

Recently, the standing of black mages had risen greatly. Moreover, it had even become known that the enormous support funds were all being invested into fostering black mages.

He did not think that was wrong.

Because from the position of having to govern the country, the mere fact that the forces that could be mobilized would become stronger in a situation where the threat of war could arise at any time was clearly something to welcome with both hands.

However, the problem was that because of Kim Dae-san’s policy of suppressing black mages up to now, there was concern over how one could handle their backlash once they became strong.

But Min Tae-jin scratched right at the part of Kim Dae-san that itched.

“The Worst is certainly an Awakener who possesses powerful strength. If he stops the Red Gate in the way the state desires, then rather, it will appear that the country overcame hardship by making proper use of suitable talent, and I believe this is the right time to shift course a little, turning away from suppressing black mages and instead preparing to embrace them with a policy of conciliation.”

“Chairman Min Tae-jin also knows this. Just how terrifying a disaster an uncontrollable power can produce.”

“I do. Even now, when I think of that man from China and that enchantress from Japan, my teeth still grind. But neither of them is in a position to move rashly. Moreover, now that even the Worst has appeared, they have become even less able to move, so in many ways I think now is the right time to make a gesture.”

In the end, after much deliberation, Kim Dae-san reached a conclusion, and once permission was granted to try recruiting the Worst, Min Tae-jin left his seat, saying to leave it to him.

“Do you really think black mages can be embraced?”

At the aide’s question, Kim Dae-san shook his head and answered.

“It is only an appropriate compromise. I have no intention of embracing them.”

From Kim Dae-san’s tone, filled with firmness, the aide felt in many ways that circumstances were likely to become complicated.

“How is the site?”

Han Sang-gil, having received the question, clicked his tongue.

“This damn building is old to the point it can be no older, and even if we repair it, it will not be easy for it to endure black mana. It looks like we will have to reinforce it using special materials as well.”

“The construction will not take that long. Shall we just do it while we can?”

“Tch, I suppose we must. But have all the evacuation facilities been completed?”

I nodded and looked at the other black mage masters.

All of them were enthusiastically repairing the magic circles engraved into the building.

Since it was, after all, a place where black mages would have to train while even demonstrating magic, it was difficult to protect the facilities with any ordinary level of defensive power.

So I looked at Han Sang-gil and asked,

“Is there any part where I should help?”

“We have not grown so old and infirm that much. Go do your own work, you brat.”

“I have already finished everything, you see.”

Han Sang-gil thought for a moment. Then he pointed to one spot.

“That is the place where the main defensive magic circle has been engraved. Let us take a look and see whether there is any part that should be improved.”

At those words I moved my steps, and soon, after examining the interior where two masters were working, I pointed to one place and asked,

“What magic circle is planned to be engraved there?”

“It is a self-repair magic circle. Since the building is rather old, I thought I might set it so that it will be steadily maintained.”

“That is a difficult spell. You would have to combine restoration magic and a Mana Accumulation Circle, so it would not be simple.”

“That is why those two are struggling.”

I looked at the part Han Sang-gil referred to as the difficult part.

‘They have certainly prepared tunnels in advance through a composite design so that they can be linked together. Is this why they are masters after all?’

It was a somewhat interesting method, so I examined it carefully, and after staring at it for a long while, I subtly emitted mana and carried out an overall inspection.

The mana rode through and flowed along as I inspected the parts the three had worked on, and after determining that they all came together in one place, I spoke.

“Would it be alright if I completed that?”

At my question, Han Sang-gil asked carefully.

“If those two happen to make an error, we would have to scrape it all away and redraw it.”

“That is why the two of you should come over here as well.”

At those words, they stopped working and came over as though saying that sounded just right.

“As expected, it is right to make young and capable talent work. Making old men work is inefficient.”

“And since you are 8th Circle, you have gone beyond the category of human, so I suppose we will get to broaden our knowledge.”

It was Gong Baek-jin and Tae Young-su, filled with anticipation. And Han Sang-gil also seemed subtly expectant.

‘Their curiosity is also vigorous, and it seems they can still remain active for quite some time. In that case… it would be right to show them properly.’

I immediately emitted mana and activated all the magic circles. Then, while drawing together the naturally connecting flow of mana into one, I began drawing a double-layered magic circle in the empty space.

One was an experimental magic circle for checking whether the linkage worked, and the other was a magic circle of the same form, drawn in preparation for engraving.

At that, the magnificently embroidered magic circle began receiving and circulating all the mana and exerting its power.

A transparent membrane appeared, and it wrapped itself around the entire site, and the three people marveled at its majestic atmosphere. Afterward, when I confirmed that the minimum amount of mana necessary to maintain this spell was now being gathered into the magic circle in the form of a Mana Accumulation Circle, I set the final restoration spell and examined the efficiency.

‘Instant restoration would be difficult, but if I set it so that it restores over time, the waste of mana is small. The maintenance cost will also be low, and if several Magic Stones are additionally engraved into the Mana Accumulation Circle to create a reservoir, then it will be able to use its power effectively even in an emergency.’

It was a method commonly used mainly in Magic Towers. So I immediately opened sub-space, took out several Magic Stones about the size of a child’s head, and placed them at the positions where the Mana Accumulation Circle would be engraved.

Then I first engraved the magic circle we had begun drawing together and completed the magic circle operating on the wall surface, and next, after checking the space where the Magic Stones were to be placed, I drew an internal spatial expansion magic circle inside those Magic Stones and, in addition, another Mana Accumulation Circle, thereby making something like an artifact.

Han Sang-gil, watching the work be completed in an instant, asked a question.

“Exactly how many spells are you using at once?”

“Quad Casting.”

“Your brain should be melting away. Remarkable.”

“It is not to the point of melting. Perhaps just a slight headache?”

Leaving behind the gazes of the three, who were staring at me as though at a madman, I finished the engraving, and when I set down the three completed Magic Stones and connected the magic circle to them, the three Magic Stones floated up into the air and settled into fixed positions.

Then they resonated and began rotating lightly, and seeing that, Han Sang-gil spoke as though dumbfounded.

“I never thought I would see three national-treasure-class artifacts being completed right before my eyes.”

“Just how much mana storage does each of these have?”

“They should be able to handle up to twenty full uses of the entire spell.”

“Hoh, at that rate, it is as though you have built three Magic Towers.”

I spoke to the three, who looked pleased.

“Do not wander about without a destination, and settle down here. And if you devote yourselves to fostering the younger generation, then perhaps the mistakes of the past may be diluted a little.”

“We owe you a great debt, you brat.”

“Thank you.”

The three expressed their gratitude. After that, it was just when I was emitting mana for the remaining work.

“Master Geum Seong-chan, you have visitors.”

One of Gong Baek-jin’s disciples came and delivered the message. So, wondering who it could be, I asked, and an unexpected name was spoken.

“Chairman Min Tae-jin of the Association and Vice Minister Chu Jin-yeong of the Ministry of Industry have come together.”

I could not know their intention, but hearing that they had come specifically to see me, I had no choice but to ask for the others’ understanding, and soon I changed places and went to receive the two of them.

“Are we not welcome faces?”

At Min Tae-jin’s question to me, I lightly shook my head before answering.

“It is only that you are not faces that must necessarily be welcome. What is it?”

“You are still a cold person. I came because I received a request from the government. And as you know, this here is Vice Minister Chu Jin-yeong of the Ministry of Industry, who is assisting with this government project.”

“I know. Were you not said to be Assemblyman Chu Myeong-hun’s son?”

Chu Jin-yeong offered a light greeting.

Then I looked at Min Tae-jin and asked bluntly,

“What did you come to see me for?”

“I would like you to take on one request.”

“…A request, huh. At a time like this, if a request is coming to me, then it is the Red Gate.”

“As expected, I knew you were wise, but you are impressive.”

“To hell with wise. Is it an escort request?”

“To be exact, the internal investigation has to be carried out, and preparations have to be made for the colossal monster, so I wished to ask for your understanding on that part.”

In the end, Min Tae-jin was saying that if a colossal monster appeared, he wanted me to buy them time.

“You may not be able to handle it alone, so it would also be fine for you to proceed together with the other masters. What do you think?”

I had been curious about the Red Gate as well.

But the problem was what to do about this unpleasant feeling.

However, my thoughts ended there.

“I will take the request. But the details will have to go through quite a lot of adjustment.”

“If it is that part, please do not worry. The Association will accept all conditions in full.”

It was the moment when the unpleasant feeling deepened.