Magic Academy's Genius Blinker Chapter 545: The Five Prestigious Schools (1)

Merely two days remained before the feared Cult Leader of Dark Mages, Hui-Ryeon, made his grand entrance among the subjugated Narang tribe.

Over this short span, Baek Yu-Seol remained a phantom in the night, diligently dispatching dark mages and relentlessly acquiring any intelligence he could uncover.

While the dark mages stationed within the central tower exhibited a degree of systematic operation, startlingly akin to that of humans, it was evident this sophisticated organization was confined to a mere handful.

It was overwhelmingly likely that the vast majority of these dark mages merely feigned allegiance to the Dark Mage Cult, seeking the patronage of a formidable power structure.

Despite a facade of functionality, their internal systems conspicuously lacked the stringent hierarchical frameworks characteristic of human civilizations.

A single severe incident, Baek Yu-Seol reasoned, could cause the entire entity to shatter, much like an overloaded explosive.

Should the dark mages instigate a widespread conflict, the ensuing chaos would fall upon the Dark Mage King. Baek Yu-Seol’s singular focus, however, was on pinpointing and neutralizing the remnants of their faction.

Yet, before any direct action, he first needed to ascertain Hui-Ryeon's identity and comprehend his entanglement with Fawn Prevernal Moon. To achieve this, a personal observation was imperative.

Dong—!

The resonant chime of the central tower’s bell pierced the air.

In the preceding two days, a belfry had been erected atop the central tower. As the clock struck noon, its deep tones reverberated throughout the village, compelling all Narang tribesfolk to convene at the tower.

From his elevated position, the leader of the dark mages, presumably the High Priest of the Cult, emerged cloaked in flowing black robes, casting his gaze down upon the assembled, kneeling Narang tribesfolk.

The central plaza proved utterly insufficient to contain the nearly twenty thousand Narang tribes members. To facilitate this assembly, the High Priest had orchestrated a significant modification of the cityscape, ensuring the thoroughfares teemed with the beastfolk populace.

"Listen closely, you insignificant mongrels!"

The High Priest’s commanding shout boomed, its resonance filling the entire city.

Baek Yu-Seol, concealed within the uppermost level of a nearby structure to survey the proceedings, registered a subtle frown at the unfolding spectacle.

The sheer immensity of the High Priest, clad in his ominous robe, presented an oddly incongruous and ill-fitting silhouette.

Furthermore, the prominent horns jutting from his brow seemed entirely at odds with the expected visage of a priest, and his eyes, as black as pitch, lent him an undeniably demonic appearance.

Despite this, the High Priest brazenly proclaimed himself an emissary of the divine, launching into an ostentatious address.

"We are the divine messengers dispatched to liberate you from your base and uncivilized existence! Henceforth, you shall embrace the Dark Mage Cult. In return, enlightenment shall be bestowed upon you! The tangible proof of this enlightenment is this magnificent bell tower, an architectural triumph utterly beyond your primitive capabilities to replicate!"

Unable to endure the preposterous pronouncements any longer, Baek Yu-Seol covered his ears.

He found himself questioning how anyone could possibly anticipate winning converts through such empty and illogical rhetoric.

The sole reason no voices dared to challenge this absurd oration was not its persuasive power, but the suffocating grip of sheer terror.

Any act of defiance promised not only personal annihilation but also the potential doom of their entire lineage.

Even the formidable warriors of the Narang tribe hesitated to make a stand, acutely aware of the devastating repercussions that would inevitably follow.

Baek Yu-Seol began to navigate through the throng with silent precision.

Leveraging his extraordinary physical prowess, he adeptly threaded through the gaps separating the larger Narang tribes members, artfully evading the pervasive surveillance of the numerous dark mages maintaining order.

Baek Yu-Seol’s keen gaze fixed upon a recess shrouded in shadow within the bell tower’s structure.

Partially obscured, a young boy garbed in clerical vestments was visible.

To a casual observer, he appeared merely as a child, hardly the figure one would suspect of orchestrating the machinations of the Dark Mage Cult.

However, Baek Yu-Seol harbored no doubt.

Flanking the boy, two formidable dark mages stood guard, their presence a testament to his significance. Moreover, the boy himself radiated a potent aura of dark magic. Most critically, however, Baek Yu-Seol's Sentient Spec enhanced vision highlighted a clear warning indicator directed precisely at him.

Even in the absence of Hui-Ryeon's explicit appearance within the game and the inability to confirm his designation, this single piece of evidence was conclusive.

For an individual possessing such a potent and distinct presence to remain unidentifiable, it was the most definitive signal that this boy was none other than the elusive Dark Mage Cult Leader, Hui-Ryeon.

Hui-Ryeon’s modus operandi had always been one of utmost secrecy, meticulously avoiding any public exposure of his identity.

It was highly improbable that he would deviate from this established pattern in this particular instance.

Having gathered sufficient confirmation, Baek Yu-Seol retrieved a headband from his personal effects.

This was no ordinary headwear. It was adorned with wolf ears!

This accessory Baek Yu-Seol had personally devised over the preceding two days with the sole intention of mimicking the appearance of the Narang tribe.

With Hui-Ryeon's identity definitively established, the moment for decisive action had arrived. Securing the headband upon his head, Baek Yu-Seol allowed a subtle smirk to grace his lips.

"Now, as devoted adherents of the Dark Mage Cult, you are blessed with the divine grace to receive enlightenment...!"

While the oblivious High Priest droned on, Hui-Ryeon remained concealed within the bell tower's shadows, a silent observer of the unfolding events.

Pathetic.

Utterly foolish.

His assessment wasn't directed at the Narang tribe, but rather at the dark mages.

Those who, in a twisted sense, could be called his kin.

They were merely a primitive race, relying solely on brute physical strength, entirely devoid of the intellect required to forge a functional society.

Could these beings even be classified as 'humanity'?

Simply possessing the ability to speak and a rudimentary capacity for thought was enough for their tribe to bestow upon themselves the title of 'human.'

Yet, attaining the status of Dark Mage King was the crucial initial stride towards global dominion – a necessary obstacle Hui-Ryeon was destined to surmount.

Although the very first step of Hui-Ryeon’s elaborate scheme had encountered a minor hiccup, he remained steadfastly confident that his grand design would proceed unimpeded.

"Cult Leader, your opinion?"

"It is acceptable. Instruct them to maintain the current course."

"Understood. The fact that you are personally witnessing the High Priest's address will undoubtedly be perceived as an immense honor by him."

It was an exceptionally rare occasion for Hui-Ryeon to grace a mere colony with his physical presence.

His stop here was fleeting, a brief interlude while he oversaw the 'purification' of the Green Core at a nearby sanctuary.

After all, there existed a distinct possibility that this city might house the relic if it ultimately transformed into the Red Core.

The World Tree, once the very embodiment of life, had now devolved into a state of complete neutrality.

But what unforeseen consequences would arise if the World Tree were to completely forsake life, dedicating its essence instead to the governance of death?

For the spirits, such a turn of events would herald an unimaginable catastrophe.

One method to manifest this terrifying possibility was through the manipulation of the Green Core.

This artifact had been extraordinarily difficult to acquire, vigilantly guarded and deeply cherished by humanity.

With the purification of the Green Core still a considerable distance from completion, Hui-Ryeon intended to linger in the vicinity and personally supervise the ongoing process.

As he quietly contemplated his strategies and organized his thoughts, the ambient atmosphere abruptly erupted into turmoil.

"What is transpiring?"

Leaning against the bell tower, eyes closed, Hui-Ryeon cracked them open slightly to inquire. The nearby dark mages, visibly perturbed, offered a hesitant response.

"Direct your gaze over there."

Hui-Ryeon’s eyes shifted towards the plaza, where a young Narang boy had boldly advanced, brandishing a sword.

The blade was aimed with chilling precision directly at the High Priest.

"High Priest of the Dark Mage Cult!"

At the boy’s impassioned cry, the dark mages swiftly moved to intervene and restrain him. However, the High Priest, feigning amusement at the spectacle, waved them back.

A subtle smirk played on his lips as he tilted his head, an unspoken invitation to 'Proceed with your speech.'

"If we, the Narang tribe, are truly expected to pledge allegiance to the Dark Mage Cult, then demonstrate your might! The Narang are a race of warriors, living and dying by the creed of strength!"

Hui-Ryeon intently studied the Narang boy, perceiving an undeniable peculiarity about him.

Despite the wolf ears peeking through, and his face concealed by a mask and scarf, there was an unsettling familiarity about the youth.

As Hui-Ryeon wrestled with this puzzling observation, the boy continued his audacious declaration.

"You chose to attack us disgracefully, utilizing the cover of night for your ambush. How can you possibly lay claim to the title of warriors? If the High Priest proves his strength in an honorable duel, the Narang tribe shall unequivocally acknowledge your power and sincerely revere the Dark Mage Cult!"

The other Narang tribesmen bowed their heads in apprehension.

They had already firsthand experienced the overwhelming might of the dark mages and could scarcely conceive of the notion of a fair contest.

Instead, a deeper dread permeated them – the fear that the boy's impulsive actions would invite dire retribution upon their people. Resentment and despair began to fester within their hearts.

"Ha-ha! This pleases me!"

The High Priest cast a glance back towards Hui-Ryeon before nodding his assent.

He had already sensed that a mere speech would prove insufficient. Should he have the opportunity to showcase their prowess through a duel, thereby securing their genuine belief in the process, the outcome would be far more advantageous.

And, to be perfectly candid... there was an additional motive. The High Priest had grown weary of his monotonous duties, and tormenting this impudent Narang boy presented itself as an amusing diversion.

"Are you the chosen representative of the Narang warriors?"

"I am. My name is Baek... something. As the emissary of the Narang tribe, I formally challenge the High Priest to a duel, for the sake of our ancestral honor."

"Very well, Baek-something. I, Malcan, the High Priest, heed your challenge and stake my honor and pride upon the outcome of this duel."

There was simply no time to ponder the conspicuous absence of honor or pride among dark mages.

Hui-Ryeon, having finally discerned the Narang boy's true identity, sprang to his feet in utter shock. But alas, it was already far too late.

High Priest Malcan had already committed to Baek Yu-Seol’s challenge for a duel; there was no retreating from the matter now.

As Hui-Ryeon’s expression started to contort with rage, the priests nearby moved in with caution, inquiring.

"Cult Leader, is something amiss?"

"It’s… Baek Yu-Seol."

"Beg your pardon? Baek Yu-Seol… as in…"

"Indeed. That audacious individual who persistently obstructs my machinations."

Despite Fawn Prevernal Moon’s explicit directive to leave Baek Yu-Seol unmolested, Hui-Ryeon harbored no inclination to abide by such an order any longer.

How could he possibly restrain himself when Baek Yu-Seol had journeyed all this way intending to taunt him directly?

"Priests, remain vigilant. It would be most opportune if Malcan were to vanquish Baek Yu-Seol in this confrontation. However, should Baek Yu-Seol prevail…"

Hui-Ryeon clenched his jaw and declared.

"I shall personally sever his head here and now, on this very day."