Mnemosyne’s Gate (4)
‘Fuck, what else can I do?’
There was no time to grow angry with the unexpected setting additions as the shielding magic formula began to blur.
“Let’s talk more about it when we come back. First, you have to persuade Aslan. He’s waiting there.”
“Lei, we believe in you!”
Kleio, preparing to leave the barracks, turned to ask one last question.
“You… The inside of the door may be dangerous. Are you going to be okay?”
Isiel seemed to have no issues with it, and Cel laughed again.
“What can be done without risk? We made up our minds much earlier than you, so make a good decision and stop the knights from joining us.”
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Swain Temple, a knight belonging to the Capital Defense Force, was resting in the barracks next to the Door of Mnemosyne, watching his breath fog in the air. Swain, Prince Aslan, and the Duke Cruel, who were in charge of tonight’s night guard, filled the seats of the barracks. After watching Arthur and Aslan up close, he felt uncomfortable.
‘Prince Aslan wants to push his brother into danger, and Prince Arthur provokes him without fear… They look like bitter enemies.’
At that moment, the heavy air shook. An unexpected visitor walked through the barrack’s entrance, and Swain reflexively greeted him.
“Sir Kleio.”
“Long time no see, Sir Swain.”
The youngest son of the Asel family, who had only grown tall like a stick, was admirable as he showed no signs of tension as he entered the cold barracks.
‘He’s still a young boy, but in this case, he acts so knightly.’
Swain shook his head. Kleio was an official knight and a famous wizard. Swain still recalled the end of the two-headed behemoth
“It’s a wonder you stand on guard tonight. I’ve heard you had a lot of hardships due to some mishaps.”
“No. We’re just guarding the door, and there hasn’t been a battle…”
Swain lowered his voice after glancing at Aslan. His voice was still audible in the narrow barracks, but it was a reflex as he considered the second prince. Aslan’s relentless nature was known to the knights as well, and the rumors Swain had heard appeared to be no exaggeration.
“Until the color of the door turns red, the crown prince has allowed the knights to enter. There’s nothing more we can do than this.”
“To prevent useless sacrifices. It’s the right choice.”
“Captain Klagen had the same opinion, but our critics have different thoughts. However, we can’t act alone without permission…”
“It’s natural you cannot violate the stern orders of the crown prince.”
Kleio, who spoke shyly, passed Swain and moved before Aslan. Even the Duke Cruel couldn’t hold back the boy as he moved proudly and indifferently. Aslan first glanced up the moment the Duke tried to raise his voice, meaning to deal with Kleio. Kleio gazed at Aslan, who was a head taller than him. He had seen him before, but this was the first time he had come this close. His eyes and hair were dark enough to devour all light.
Aslan’s sharp gaze stayed on the medal attached to the collar of Kleio’s coat. If his eyes could emit heat, they would burn right through the golden trophy. Kleio knew roughly about the courtesies of this world, but he intentionally looked straight into Aslan’s eyes. This was an opponent he must face one day, so long as he stood by Arthur’s side. Malice was plain of Aslan’s face, but Kleio felt relatively calm. People that were openly hostile like this weren’t all that scary. Of course, he was a 7th level swordsman who would gain more power in the future, but compared to Melchior, he still felt human.
‘Well, it would be hard to find someone scarier than the crown prince.’
Recognizing the smile on the boy’s pale face, Aslan felt a vague sense of anger. He didn’t even know it was because he realized the boy didn’t respect him at all.
“You are Sir Kleio.”
“Sorry for the late introduction. It’s an honor to meet you, Prince Aslan.”
“So, what is your business? Is there a reason why you rushed into the prince’s barracks at night after that girl who likes to speak? It shouldn’t be a light topic.”
Kleio smirked.
‘Is he talking about Isiel?’
Isiel, who stood guard outside the barracks, seemed to have heard that. After turning on Perception, Kleio was able to track the breathing and eyes of those in the barracks, as well as their ether flow. Although he faced a desperate situation, it wasn’t bad with his keen perception. He could see one level above his opponent.
“As you seem to know the rough situation, I will keep it short. I ask for my name to be listed on the next group to enter the door. I am also a knight, though I may lack compared to Prince Arthur.”
Initially, the full authority over the door was under the control of the Capital Defense Force. So Kleio, a student of their academy, didn’t even need to ask Aslan for such a thing.
‘However, if you see that Duke Cruel is running with Aslan and the commander of the Defense Force is leaving the door open, it seems there is some secret between them.’
Listening to Swain’s words, the rank knights of the Defense Force also seemed eager to enter the legendary gate that had opened after a thousand years. If you were a knight that had mastered the sword, of course, you would be eager for adventure. However, for some reason, the knight commander and Melchior held them back. As soon as the door opened, Melchior returned to the capital, and Cruel’s knights had pushed in instead. Even if he wasn’t here right now, there was foreshadowing everywhere—what a terrible writer.
‘Melchior knows this will happen with Aslan and Arthur here. He’s hoping they’ll fight each other.’
“Okay. I heard that my brother’s swordsmanship is great and that your magic is even more accomplished. Enough to draw the crown prince’s attention.”
“Melchior is just generous. What I have obtained is from the prince’s deep spirit, not what I earned.”
It didn’t felt enjoyable to do so, but Kleio painted Melchior with gold.
‘This is a business meeting, so it’s fine.’
Unlike Kleio, who was carefully controlling his expression, Aslan’s face became more ferocious. It was worth showing off his friendship with the crown prince in front of him, as it worked as planned.
‘His boiling point is too low.’
“Where is the big brother that treats others affectionately? He’s referred to you several times, and even the knights of the Defense Force have high praise for your magic.”
“I am just one wizard. I do not lack in qualifications, but I don’t want to show off my abilities.”
A blood vessel bulged out on the Duke Cruel’s forehead, who was only respectful in speech.
‘It would be better if you misunderstand that Melchior and I have joined hands.’
Aslan stepped forward, glaring at Kleio. Aslan towered over him, trying to threaten the physically weak boy. Since Kleio had turned on Separation without delay to defend himself, his expression remained unchanged. The second prince, realizing his threat didn’t work, spat out a response.
“Let’s give it a chance to build a relationship together.”
‘You want an opportunity to get rid of me.’
“Now that this has happened, can I step out with the comrades who have always been training together?”
“Comrades.”
“All the students from the Defense Academy have come together to defend the capital from the threats beyond the door. It’s a long-awaited opportunity, so how could I do it alone?”
“Then, there are other students who want to enter the door besides Sir Arthur?”
“That’s right.”
“Who are they?”
“I don’t know if your Majesty will know them by name…”
“I asked. Now, answer.”
‘Wow, this prince needs to watch his blood pressure.’
“The daughter of Viscount Kision, and the eldest daughter of the Tanpet de Neju family, both outstanding swordsmen.”
“Yes, 977 was called the golden year. Ha, yes. Let’s do what you want.”
977 was the golden year. But if a student at the Defense Force’s school was excellent, it didn’t benefit Aslan. They were a threat even if they didn’t join Arthur’s side, as one day they would become Melchior’s strength as a part of the Capital Defense Force.
‘He’s thinking it’s not bad if they die with Arthur.’
Only Zebedee was contemplating how to try and stop them, but the Duke was prepared to stop him from intervening. It was probably only Zebedee who could hold the prince back now.
“Thank you for your generous consideration. We will surely destroy the remembered world and return.”
Finally, when he said, ‘I’ll come back after doing what your knights couldn’t,’ Aslan laughed as if it were unreasonable to get angry. Then, Aslan looked at Kleio as if he were dealing with the most bizarre thing he had ever seen before kicking the boy out.
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Seeing that Kleio further agitated Aslan, Zebedee followed him from the barracks. He threatened them with expulsion and ordered them with a professor’s authority, but they weren’t pushed back.
“These guys. Why are you rushing to find a hole to die in?!”
“We will be back. Please believe in us.”
“It’s been a thousand years since it’s opened, so you seem to be viewing it lightly, but several official knights have already failed. It shouldn’t be thought of as easy! When you enter the dungeon, everyone will be thrown into the water. True to old traditions, some people die because they can’t swim. No one knows what the threat will be!”
“Professor, calm down. We all swim well. Isn’t that right, Kleio?”
It wasn’t right at all, but Kleio nodded in tune with Cel. There was nothing to say against Arthur and Isiel.
“I have to stop you… but it’s pointless. Take water, food, and medicine from my barracks. It hasn’t been poisoned.”
Kleio greedily accepted the offer for supplies. Zebedee had been running the school for decades. He never would’ve accepted Arthur as a student without knowing the situation with Aslan.
“Thank you, professor. Are there any magic tools that can make a shield like this? I’m fine, but I’m worried about the others…”
“Ah, tsk. This guy. Wait and see.”
They watched Zebedee disappear, then come back a bit later with armor. Kleio struck the shield offered to him with magic.
“Looking at it, you all know about my unique skill, right?”
“Our lord tried not to mention it until the end, but when you think about it, there’s only one answer.”
“I’m so happy that you proved the prophecy, but I can’t know.”
Dione had come to the same conclusion anyway. If you were going to lie, it was better to be consistent.
“Right. I have a unique prediction skill, and I can read some of the future to come.”
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