"Has a whole decade truly passed already…?"
Astion laid his quill aside, allowing himself a momentary reprieve from his records. Ten years had evaporated since the first banners of war were raised. Only now, after a grueling decade, had the unified human front managed to reach the borders of the Demonic Realm.
The cost in lives had been staggering. Among the fallen was Duke Stauffen, the supreme leader of the coalition and Lucian's father. Yet, those who endured the fire had emerged as a more formidable and elite force than anyone could have anticipated.
The conflict had acted as a forge; more superhumans were born in the heat of battle than were lost to it. Standard infantrymen were now capable of dispatching ten Riftkin single-handedly, while the prowess of the knights had reached heights previously unimagined. With mana cultivation techniques being shared freely across borders to ensure survival, new mana-users were surfacing every single day.
"And even with all this might, we are still lacking."
Astion had ascended to the 9th Circle five years prior. His companions had shadowed his growth, nearing that same peak. This alliance represented the most powerful military force in recorded history—a group capable of slaying dragons if they so chose.
Despite this, the Adversary remained a peerless obstacle, a mountain they could not quite scale.
The only reason they had successfully pushed the frontline into the heart of the Demonic Realm was the presence of those capable of checking the Adversary's power.
"Julien. Deneb."
The mantle of the alliance's strongest now belonged to the Hero, Julien. By his side stood Saintess Deneb. It was through their combined efforts that the tide had turned, allowing the army to finally set foot on demonic soil.
If this momentum held, victory was no longer a dream. The Adversary was running out of room to retreat.
"The end is near. We cannot afford even a moment of complacency."
Astion hardened his resolve, his expression turning grim. The Adversary was a terror beyond measure; the slightest lapse in judgment would result in a catastrophe.
His anxieties weren't limited to the safety of Julien and Deneb. He worked tirelessly to safeguard his other friends and the rank-and-file members of the Julien Mercenary Corps. To ensure their survival, he refused to stagnate. Every spare second was poured into magical theory and the pursuit of deeper knowledge.
[ Lately, I have focused my intellect on a specific phenomenon: the method Ghislain employed to trigger explosive surges in his mana during dire straits. ]
[ During my initial encounter with the Adversary, I followed Ghislain's instructions to replicate it. At the time, I only survived the attempt because of Deneb's intervention and her divine grace. Even then, it was a near-disaster. ]
[ To attempt such mana amplification without external stabilization would result in one's body detonating. Ghislain himself admitted he could only sustain the state for a fleeting window. ]
[ My goal has been to codify this into a teachable theory. I have experimented with novel ways to harvest, concentrate, and refine mana. I am searching for a way to ensure stability, yet the nature of making mana explode while simultaneously keeping it controlled is a paradox. ]
[ Ghislain achieved this through raw instinct and talent, leaving no theoretical framework behind. I am convinced that persistent research will yield a breakthrough. I have dedicated a specific journal to these hypotheses, updating it whenever the war allows. ]
"Are you drafting another grimoire, Master?"
At Lucian's inquiry, Astion gave a faint nod. While it wasn't a spellbook in the traditional sense, but rather a treatise on the mechanics of mana, it was bound to be a revolutionary text for future mages—provided he could make it safe enough to use.
Observing Astion's tireless dedication to both his studies and his training, Lucian's face filled with profound respect.
"You are incredible, Master. I don't think I could ever match your discipline."
"You are capable of it. In fact, I expect you to surpass me one day."
Astion planned to pass the torch of this research to Lucian if he couldn't complete it himself. Lucian possessed the necessary intellect and a relentless work ethic, fueled by his deep admiration for his teacher.
Lucian's expression lit up with enthusiasm.
"I won't let you down! Once the peace is won, I'll stay right by your side to help finish your work!"
"That… might not be necessary…"
Astion had his own post-war fantasies. Primarily, he hoped to finally experience a romantic life. Having his devoted disciple glued to his side indefinitely would certainly complicate those plans.
Misinterpreting his master's hesitation, Lucian doubled down, clenching his fist. "No! This is the lifework of the continent's premier mage! I will set aside all other concerns to see it through to completion!"
'Please don't… you should have your own life…'
As he looked into Lucian's earnest, respectful eyes, Astion's spirit saged. He desperately hoped the boy would find a different hobby.
In the early stages of the war, Lucian had been relegated to logistics because of his youth and lack of strength. However, he had matured with frightening speed, and he was now a pillar of the mercenary corps, standing equal to Astion.
Lucian's gaze turned misty as he looked back on their journey.
"Master, I'll admit I felt a bit of resentment early on when you refused to teach me spells and forced me to focus only on martial arts."
"…Is that so?"
"But I see your wisdom now. You were molding me in the unique tradition of our tower."
"…I see."
Lucian had evolved into a living weapon. Even without casting a single spell, he could cut through hundreds of Riftkin in a melee. And in the realm of magic, he had already attained the 6th Circle—a feat worthy of Astion's apprentice. He was, by all accounts, a genius of the empire.
Lucian smiled warmly, rubbing his neck.
"Being the 'sole' heir to such a prestigious tower is a massive weight. Since my brother has taken over the family estate, I plan to commit my entire existence to our tower."
'That is exactly what I'm afraid of…'
"I will be incredibly selective when I eventually choose the next successor. After all, we are a 'single-lineage' tower, passing the flame from one master to one student."
'We are absolutely not…'
Astion wanted to scream the truth. That "single-lineage" rumor only existed because Ghislain had made a careless comment once because he didn't want to deal with students. In reality, Astion dreamed of a bustling academy, the greatest tower on the continent. Who wouldn't want that legacy? But looking at his proud student, he couldn't bring himself to crush his spirit.
"W-well… we can figure out those details later."
The rumor of the "single-lineage transmission" had spread so far that no other mages even bothered to apply for apprenticeship. It was a source of private agony for Astion, but he was already plotting a workaround.
'I've mentored plenty of people during this campaign… When this is over, I'll just tell everyone the policy has been updated and recruit them all.'
The war had forced everyone to be transparent with their secrets. Astion had collaborated extensively with other mages in the alliance. While they weren't official students, the exchange of knowledge had already set the stage for a broader school of thought.
[ …Lucian is fully prepared to spend his life within the tower walls. He takes immense pride in being my only successor. It makes sense; his master is a 9th Circle mage, the most powerful caster alive, and a companion of the Hero. ]
[ However, my vision is for a grand, sprawling institution. I have no desire to spend my twilight years in a cramped tower with just one disciple for company. How am I supposed to break his heart later? It's a constant worry. Plus, I'd really like to go on a date… the stress is giving me a migraine. ]
Astion sighed deeply as his pen moved across the page. Every time his thoughts drifted to the tower's future or Lucian's expectations, his heart felt heavy. He recorded these anxieties faithfully; Ghislain had demanded a complete account of their journey, and Astion was nothing if not thorough.
He documented more than just his own feelings; he kept track of the Hero, the Saintess, and the entire Julien Mercenary Corps.
[ Word is circulating that Ereneth is the frontrunner for the position of Great Chieftain after the war. Her prowess has eclipsed even High Chief Iraniel. Torvalt has broken into the ranks of the superhumans, though he still can't quite match Lord Grondal. Consequently, Grondal is in a foul mood, feeling as though he's lost some sort of unspoken competition with the elves. ]
[ Following Duke Stauffen's death, his heir Duke Troseed took over before eventually stepping down. Now, Marquess Nodehill serves as the Commander-in-Chief. His passion and list of achievements are so vast that his leadership is unquestioned. Leo and Marquess Vallesant have also been indispensable. These three, all firm allies of the Julien Mercenary Corps, have become the political and military heart of the alliance. ]
[ Leo's logistical management, in particular, has been flawless. Ghislain's foresight in making Leo a lord was a stroke of genius. I wonder if he knew how vital Leo would become because of his foresight? He never admits it, but the suspicion remains. ]
[ …Osval has finally reached the level of a superhuman. He used to be a slacker, but the relentless pressure of battle finally forced a breakthrough. He claims his power stems from his "revolutionary" spirit. To be honest, none of us truly understand what his revolution is supposed to be. ]
[ I have spent years playing the role of Ghislain. The average mercenary hasn't noticed the shift in my personality, but a few of the more perceptive ones are suspicious. ]
For several years, Iraniel had been asking him the same question.
"It is quite bizarre. Can a person's nature truly shift so drastically?"
"…Are we talking about this again?"
"That battle—the day the Pope revealed his true face. Did it leave a mark on your soul?"
"…I am perfectly fine."
"I don't believe it. Something wounded your spirit that day. A man's fundamental aura doesn't just change like that without a reason."
Iraniel's concern was genuine. Astion was a vital asset to the alliance; if he had been compromised by the Adversary's influence, the entire war effort could collapse.
Trapped by the truth he couldn't share, Astion could only offer a frustrated response.
"…You've been saying this for ten years. Isn't it time to just accept that I'm okay?"
"I cannot shake the feeling. Let me use the spirits to examine your subconscious. If there is a lingering shadow, we might be able to clear it."
"…No. I'm fine. I've simply matured. People change as they get older."
"Talking about age in front of me… that's a bit bold, don't you think?"
"…"
While Iraniel's approach was rooted in concern, Grondal's was more confrontational.
"Bah! You've reached a higher realm, but you seem weaker to me!"
"…"
"Where is your fire? You're still in your prime, yet you hide in the back throwing spells instead of fighting like a real man."
"…"
"I remember when just looking at you made my blood pump, itching for a duel. Now? You're just… a mage. A dry, boring mage. Not the kind of person worth fighting."
"…That's enough."
Grondal would occasionally try to provoke Astion, hoping to see a flash of the aggression he once possessed. But Astion wasn't Ghislain. He felt no need to prove his dominance through physical combat.
Eventually, even Grondal stopped trying to pick fights.
Andrew and Leo also noted the subtle change in Astion, but they simply attributed it to the weight of responsibility and the passage of time.
Astion didn't particularly care what most people thought. There was no way for them to discover the truth.
However, there was one exception…
The Dragon Lord surely knew.
Arterion had never confronted him directly. Yet, that very silence felt like a hidden blade. There was no chance Arterion hadn't noticed the discrepancy. They had spent three years together in the frozen wastes; such a change would be impossible to hide from a dragon.
The fact that he said nothing suggested he was waiting for something.
'…When this war is over, is he going to come for me?'
The possibility that the dragon wanted to use him for some arcane experiment was high. It was exactly the kind of cold, intellectual cruelty the Dragon Lord was known for.
[ …I must remain vigilant once the war concludes. The way Arterion looks at me sometimes sends a chill down my spine. He knows I am not who I claim to be, and he is undoubtedly planning something. ]
[ Aside from that, the campaign continues. We are pushing deeper into the core of the Demonic Realm. As we approach the center, the fanatical resistance of the Salvation Church has reached a fever pitch. ]
[ However, the corrupting influence of the Demonic Realm is being held at bay by Deneb's holy power. She cannot purify the entire land, but she creates a sanctuary for our forces to operate within. ]
[ Julien continues his eternal struggle against the Adversary. My companions and I handle the Apostles, while the alliance's superhumans deal with the high priests. The remaining Outer Gods are kept occupied by the dragons. ]
[ Julien has reached a level of power where he can stand toe-to-toe with the Adversary without being overwhelmed. It helps that Deneb is constantly weakening the Adversary's dark aura, but the momentum is undeniably ours. ]
[ No matter how desperate the Salvation Church's tactics become, they are failing. With the Adversary pinned down by Julien and Deneb, the rest of their hierarchy is being systematically dismantled by our superhumans. ]
[ The Adversary has tried to halt our progress numerous times, only to be forced into a retreat. We are relentless, closing in on the heart of their territory. ]
[ The Adversary has no ground left to give. If he retreats further, the Demonic Realm will be sealed behind him. Thus, as we reached the epicenter, the Adversary finally appeared with his entire remaining priesthood for one last stand. ]
[ …The moment to end this long nightmare is finally upon us. ]
[ O Goddess, guide our blades… let us rewrite the ending of this story. ]