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Thanks a lot!❤️
Chapter 78: Soul Chess (1)
Edmon calmly unfolded the newspaper. There was no need to ask what the fuss was about.
One astonishing piece of news that decorated every page of the newspaper caught his eye.
[Alchemist Alterisha Develops New Technology in Futuristic Magic Technology]
Indeed, it was noteworthy content that could make the bearer tremble with excitement.
In addition to scrolls and potions capable of storing magic, there were also mysterious items with functions that could greatly enhance the efficiency of all wands used until now.
Alterisha’s magic engineering was the realization of all the futuristic technology that had been imagined.
“To think it would be this much….”
At a glance, he was aware of the remarkable aspects of Alchemical Engineering Cross Technique. The impossible combination of these two streams possessed value beyond imagination.
For those without knowledge, it was difficult to grasp just how significant it was.
Edmon knew exactly that.
However, after confirming that much, he was able to put his mind at ease.
'It’s no big deal. Father will be moving quickly anyway.’
Bringing such technology into the country was a very important issue. Various enterprises, guilds, and magic towers were likely in motion.
If the Atalek family could localize the items under their name in Adolevit, the foundation of their family would become solid.
'Come to think of it, that commoner uttered something presumptuous back then.’
The Atalek family refused the supply of items to the Adolevit Kingdom?
It was a laughable statement.
Even thinking about it now made him burst into laughter.
It was such nonsense that only an ignorant person who knew nothing about politics and society would spout.
Even if the head of the department came with their new technology, begging, “Please purchase our products,” it wouldn't be enough, yet a foolish commoner thought the positions of power had switched.
‘That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.’
There was nowhere in Alchemy Castle where the hands of Duke Atalek did not reach. Furthermore, most of the alchemists within Stella Academy had deep ties with Adolevit.
Of course, Alchemy Castle was an inviolable territory, but that was just an illusion.
However, if all the alchemists united, the unknown co-author spoke up, or even the great Golden Alchemist came forward, anything could happen.
But nothing significant would happen with just a commoner's words.
That was the reality.
Ring!
At that moment, the telephone in the office inside the club building rang.
"Young Master, there's a call for you."
"I'll take it."
It was quite common for students who were expected to inherit their family to have their own small private offices within Stella.
Moreover, Edmon, being the successor of Atalek and the head of the prestigious Crimson Hawk Club, had a sizable office.
Thanks to that, despite being just a student, Edmon Atalek had a telephone placed in his office.
Given how rare telephones were, it was astonishing. Though phones were common in Stella, having one in a mere club room was extraordinary.
Edmon walked with dignified steps and picked up the receiver.
"Edmon Atalek speaking."
“Son.”
The voice that came from the other end of the receiver was none other than his father. It was rare for Edmon to receive a phone call directly, so he was slightly surprised.
"What's the matter?"
“Just now, I received a call from Alchemy Castle.”
"Oh, as expected, Father. You're quick on your feet—"
“They refused my request, and the alchemists belonging to the Alterisha Department have stopped supplying items to the country. By any chance, do you know anything about this?”
"What?"
He was instantly rendered speechless. The words his father had just said were something he had heard somewhere before. His head felt numb.
It was unbelievable.
"H-Haha... Father, even as a joke, why would I say something like that to the Alterisha Department?"
“But it's true. It was the co-author of the Alchemical Engineering Cross Technique who made that statement.”
"What?"
A co-author.
He had never even met such a person.
Then a sudden thought struck him.
‘Could it be, Baek Yu-Seol?’
His heart started pounding.
A chill ran down his spine, and cold sweat formed on his forehead.
"No… That… I..."
He couldn't continue his words and stumbled for a long time before barely grasping a glimmer of hope.
"Well, even so, it's unimaginable for them to dare to refuse the Adolevit Kingdom... It doesn't make sense."
“Yes. The Fire Kingdom of Adolevit is an influence even to Stella Academy.”
"Yes, so—"
"But! That's a story limited to the realm of magic. Son, do you know where most of our country's technology comes from?"
"Well, of course..."
For magic engineering, it was the Black Iron Empire.
For alchemy, it was Alchemy Castle.
Having realized that much, Edmon closed his mouth.
"But... Father, you know how much influence we can have on Alchemy Ca—"
“Sigh…” Duke Atalek’s sigh cut Edmon off.
“It seems like you still don't fully understand the situation. I trusted your exceptional mind, but what good is it?”
Edmon couldn't even breathe as he listened to his father's words.
“Son, it's a technological revolution.”
"Yes?"
“It's a new technology that has never existed before. It's the ability to create objects comparable to ancient artifacts.”
"Ah, did you say artifacts...?"
“That's right! Even now, many alchemists are joining the Alterisha Department. Even Golden Alchemist Halsecoden is conducting joint research with Alterisha.”
"Ah...?"
‘Halsecoden?’
‘The Golden Alchemist? Really?’
'What is this…?'
‘It's even bigger than I thought.’
“Yes. Your words are true. No matter how revolutionary the technology is, in the end, they cannot refuse Adolevit. We’re the Adolevit Kingdom, the strongest nation in the world. If we set our minds to it, we can easily shake Alchemy Castle. However, that would entail significant political and diplomatic repercussions. That's why our country, at present, wants to find a peaceful compromise. Perhaps Alchemy Castle also knew that Adolevit would do this, so they didn't hesitate to take such bold actions. They wanted to demonstrate their power. In other words, the Atalek family is merely being used as a political tool in Alchemy Castle.”
“You need to lower your head first, my son. Even if you don't act, it won't be long before our country resumes trade with Alchemy Castle. However, the name of the Atalek family will not be present on that path of success and benefits.”
Edmon didn't say anything. He couldn't say anything.
“Son, let me ask you again. Are you involved in this incident?”
Edmon couldn’t answer.
His father remained silent for a while and eventually left a few words before hanging up the phone.
“This is on you, so figure out how to handle it. I need to talk to the others about this.”
Click!
Hearing the beep sound, Edmon blankly stared at the receiver.
"No, wait, what is this…?"
‘Let me organize my thoughts.’
There was no need to organize.
Edmon clenched his lips and slammed his forehead against the wall.
'I must meet Baek Yu-seol.'
To get Alchemy Castle to retract those words, he had to meet Baek Yu-seol and talk to him directly.
However, he had caused him too much trouble so far. He simply couldn't do it.
In the first place, the act of compromising his pride for such trivial matters with commoners was unacceptable.
He looked at Hong Bi-Yeon with trembling eyes. Whether she knew about the phone conversation or not, she was enjoying her tea time in the same position as before.
“Bi-Yeon."
"Yes, senior."
Hong Bi-Yeon responded with a slightly stiff expression. She, too, had gradually sensed that something was off about the current situation.
Edmon’s lips trembled as he uttered that repulsive and detested name. "Can you arrange a meeting with Baek Yu-Seol?"
Upon hearing that, Hong Bi-Yeon silently stared at his face for a long time, as if contemplating something.
Eventually, after organizing her thoughts, she nodded slowly. "Yes, I’ll try to arrange a meeting."
In a café located in Stella’s Star Tower.
Although it was not a place Baek Yu-Seol frequented since he had few friends and rarely had any studying to do, it was a cost-effective café that attracted quite a number of students who were either commoners or from wealthy households.
Hong Bi-Yeon chose the location, and there were quite a few students gathered around, studying or chatting loudly as if to draw attention to themselves.
As Baek Yu-Seol and Hong Bi-Yeon, an unlikely pair, occupied a table, it was natural that the students' gazes naturally turned towards them.
"Hey, those are the magic combat department kids."
"They're in the S-Class of the first year..."
"That's Princess Hong Bi-Yeon, right?"
"Yeah, what's a commoner like him doing with her?"
While they chattered and whispered, Hong Bi-Yeon absentmindedly gazed out the window.
"Are you not going to order coffee?"
“I'll place the order."
No matter what kind of coffee or tea was prepared, it wouldn't suit her taste. However, he knew what kind of coffee Hong Bi-Yeon liked.
Baek Yu-Seol got up from his seat and called the waiter over to the counter to place the coffee order.
"One iced americano, and..."
"Yes, and?"
“A demitasse cup quickly preheated for five seconds with a crystal magic coffee machine, using high mountain rainforest Arabica beans roasted French atalbica style and filtered within 30 seconds.”
“Excuse me?"
"Should I repeat it? With the crystal magic coffee machine—"
“Oh, no, wait. It’s not that I need you to repeat it, the order is just, um… Too detailed…”
"It's not possible?"
"Well, um... It’s possible."
The waiter let out a deep sigh and shook his head. It was because the profit they would gain through this bothersome process was meager.
Baek Yu-Seol also knew that he was being troublesome and causing unnecessary trouble, but what could he do?
That was how the princess liked it.
“Half a teaspoon of sugar.”
Exasperated, the barista fiddled with the tools diligently.
After waiting for a while, he brought an iced Americano and an espresso with a sour look on his face.
Baek Yu-Seol took the cups and went back to the table, handing one to Hong Bi-Yeon who reacted with wide eyes.
The quality of this coffee would surely be much lower than what she was used to in the palace, but still, it was a coffee she liked, so it was understandable that she would be satisfied.
"..."
She closed her eyes and savored the coffee with a rather satisfied expression. Even though the price of that coffee would be no more than 8,000 credits at most, the way she sipped it so elegantly and gracefully made it seem like she was drinking a million-credit coffee.
'Hmm, it's almost time.'
Afternoon, 1:29 PM. One minute before the appointed time.
Right on time, the door of the cafe opened, and Edmon walked in.
"..."
"You've arrived, senior."
He looked ten years older than when Baek Yu-Seol last saw him, and as their eyes met, he gave him a hateful glare.
He quickly forced a smile, trying to change his expression. The lackey that was always around him was nowhere to be seen.
Edmon cautiously approached with careful steps and surveyed the surroundings. He didn't like crowded places like this, but since Baek Yu-Seol chose this location, he had no choice but to follow.
"I ordered one americanos and espresso. Oh, by the way, it's your treat. Pay up now."
"What?"
"You're not going to pay?"
As Baek Yu-Seol reached out his hand and urged him, Edmon took out a 10,000-credit note and handed it over.
What a windfall.
The drinks only cost 5,000 credits.
Baek Yu-Seol made a profit.
He took a seat in front of Baek Yu-Seol and remained silent, bowing his head for a while.
Baek Yu-Seol inserted a straw into his Americano and sucked it loudly.
Sip! Slurp!
The coffee quickly disappeared, and he intentionally checked his wristwatch.
"Well, since you called me, say something. I've finished my coffee, so I’ll be leaving soon."
"About what happened back then..."
Finally, as if feeling impatient, Edmon opened his lips.
"I apologize."
The successor of the great Duke Atalek, boasting a thousand years of history, apologized to a mere commoner.
In itself, the commoner should be satisfied.
That was how it should be.
It was more than enough, so it ought to be accepted.
‘Maybe that's why you apologize so casually and carelessly, thinking that's enough?’
Baek Yu-Seol said in a somber tone. "Is that it?"
"What?"
"Is that all? I'm leaving."
"Wait, what do you want from me?"
Urgently, Edmon looked around the room. All eyes were on him.
"Why are you asking me that?"
"You!"
Edmon quickly composed himself before speaking again. "I'm sorry! I sincerely apologize. I deeply regret looking down on you because you are a commoner. So can you please retract your statement?"
Murmurs arose.
Students began whispering softly. The fact that Edmon was out to get him had spread widely on campus, so this situation was very confusing.
Baek Yu-Seol didn’t need to go this far.
Under normal circumstances, at least.
Baek Yu-Seol wasn't the type to derive pleasure from such forced coercion. He had already achieved his objective satisfactorily.
However, the reason for doing this was to suppress the death flag of Hong Bi-Yeon caused by Edmon.
He was not an invincible and powerful figure. Of course, being 4th Class at nineteen was truly remarkable, but Edmon’s limitations ended there.
His growth beyond that would stagnate, and he would likely live as a politician rather than a mage in the future.
In other words, the threat emanating from Edmon was not a physical threat but a political one.
Therefore, he intended to gradually strip away his political power.
It was impossible to bring him, who carried the great name of Duke Atalek, to a sudden downfall.
However, the day would come when his value diminished and Hong Bi-Yeon could stand tall on her own.
At that moment, Edmon would crumble entirely on his own.
That was all he was aiming for.
Baek Yu-Seol didn’t care about any influence or backing. He simply wanted to gradually consume him, helping Hong Bi-Yeon become capable of devouring him.
That was all.
"Well, what about doing it like this?"
He took out a piece of paper from his pocket. It was not an ordinary paper but a magical paper, a mysterious paper on which anything could be manifested just by drawing.
Although the words sounded grand, it was just a common paper that one could buy at a local stationery store.
However, the content written on it was a little different.
"A pledge...?"
Reading the content Baek Yu-Seol had prepared in advance, Edmon muttered in surprise.
Yes.
It was a pledge.
Moreover, it was a magical pledge.
"Let's make a bet. The event is soul chess. If I lose here, I’ll withdraw my previous statement and exclusively supply items to the Adolevit Kingdom through the Atalek family."
Edmon’s eyes sparkled at his words.
"However, if I win..."
He regained his senses belatedly and read the rest.
"Grant me the permanent attendance pass for Aslan Seminar."
"W-What...! Do you really think that makes any sense?"
"If you don't want to, forget it."
"Wait a moment!"
Aslan Seminar.
A public debate gathering where the members of prestigious magical families with a long-standing tradition came together for scholarly discussions.
Only true aristocrats among magic families could participate, and if deemed lacking, attendance was impossible. Participants could even be expelled during discussions. It was a very fierce seminar.
There were three conditions for attending the Aslan Seminar:
'Having attended and presented an excellent paper the previous year.'
‘Possessing a paper worthy of presentation and receiving an invitation.'
'Or being one of the twelve rising stars of the year.'
In the first place, the term “permanent attendance pass” didn’t even exist.
It only appeared to be a permanent attendance pass because attending the previous year and presenting an excellent thesis, thus guaranteeing attendance for the following year had been repeated for decades.
So the attending families continued to attend each year, and although twelve rising novice mages joined each year, most of them couldn’t last a year and ended up being expelled.
But did that mean it was easy to be among the twelve?
Not at all.
Even if it was just for one year, geniuses from all over the world competed to participate in the Aslan Seminar, considering it a great honor.
They selected only twelve individuals from all races, including elves, giants, angels, dwarves, and humans.
Thus, those who continuously attended the Aslan Seminar, maintaining their qualifications as desired by the world's genius mages, considered it as a form of power.
Why?
Because if they failed to demonstrate magical abilities at the Aslan Seminar, they would be immediately expelled and could never attend again.
Therefore, consistently attending with determination was more than enough to prove themselves as a prestigious magical family.
The Atalek family had been attending the Aslan Seminar for decades, which was a significant factor supporting their power.
So he planned to target that.
Of course, it was by no means a fair or reasonable deal.
Even if it was an item, it was the qualification to participate in the Aslan Seminar.
It was absurd.
However, there was an important point here.
'Soul Chess... Interesting.'
Edmon’s skill in Soul Chess was outstanding to the point where there was no one on campus who could rival him. He even participated in world championships, showcasing his exceptional abilities.
He would never consider the possibility of losing.
"Alright. I'll sign the contract."
Finally, Edmon Atalek raised his finger with a confident smile. If he signed the contract with his own blood, the magical oath would be fulfilled.
"You know what happens if you break the oath, right?"
"Of course, I know. The moment the oath is broken, we lose all mana. That applies to you as well."
"Naturally."
Although Baek Yu-Seol said that, the truth was, he didn't have any mana to begin with, so breaking the oath wouldn't really change anything for him.
But that didn’t mean he had any intention of losing.