HEL SCANS
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A little back in time, this morning.
The place guided by the rays of light was completely unexpected.
Different from the destination on the outskirts last time.
A relatively short distance from the indoor training ground where the exhibition took place.
The shadow of a giant building poured down on me.
‘This building…’
It was a building that any representative of Rosenstark would know.
The Control Tower.
Also known as the ‘Heart of the Academy.’
It was a facility that supplied mana to numerous magical devices and infrastructure owned by Rosenstark, hence the nickname.
Since it was the first time coming this far, I observed the exterior of the building.
‘Come to think of it…’
The appearance of the first-era magic tower that I saw in Zero’s memory was similar.
The majestic height as if piercing through the clouds.
The outer wall was composed of a material that looked extremely sturdy.
However, the Control Tower had all its windows completely opaque, preventing the observation of internal activities from the outside.
And outside of that.
There was a very strict security in place.
It was natural, as any sabotage attempt could potentially disable the entire Rosenstark system.
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I gazed at the guards standing vigilantly in front of the tower.
The patterns engraved on their armor were all different.
This measure was taken to avoid vulnerability in issues like betrayal or infiltration if only one group were assigned to guard.
‘…Even so, they’ve gathered such a large number of personnel.’
There were forces dispatched directly from the royal palace, and even a mercenary group personally hired by Yussi was visible.
Including the academy’s security force.
Even I, with my current strength, couldn’t break through head-on against such a formidable force.
“Ah.”
Among them, a middle-aged man who seemed to hold the highest rank approached.
He was from the royal palace.
“Professor Redymer. What brings you here?”
“I want to take a look inside.”
He cautiously inquired.
“Inside the Control Tower? For what reason…?”
“Ask that to Euphemia.”
Since he had received the same access privileges as Yussi, it was indeed true.
As he extended the card specifying his authority along with a joke, the guard chuckled nervously.
“P-please go in….”
“I’m carrying out the Emperor’s orders, so I hope I won’t be disturbed when I go in.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll make sure to inform the internal staff as well.”
“Thank you.”
I passed by the guards and walked on.
From behind, I could hear him loudly giving instructions.
Zzzing!
Thud!
The main gate opened, revealing a long corridor.
As if beckoning, the rays of light emitted a dazzling glow.
I, while displaying the Control Tower’s blueprint on the information cluster on one side of my vision, followed the rays of light.
‘Most first-time visitors are likely to get lost.’
The Control Tower was a complex structure with numerous polygonal spaces interconnected like an anthill.
Dozens, even hundreds of control rooms where each academy facility is managed.
Security rooms to maintain the tower’s security.
Storage rooms, administrative offices, communication rooms, and even accommodations and recreational facilities for the working staff.
Probably the most densely populated area throughout Rosenstark.
However, as I followed the rays of light, the presence of people gradually diminished.
That’s how the Hero entered the innermost part of the tower.
Numerous security devices blocked the way, but thanks to the card received from Yussi, everything went smoothly.
‘Here is….’
The place I arrived at was the innermost part of the tower, the Arc Room.
It was a place with a large-scale mana stone dissolution apparatus called ‘Ark.’
Ark was a device that liquefied mana stones for easy use as a source of magic power, an item that had been around since the founding of Rosenstark.
I stood at the entrance and glanced around the room.
A giant heating device resembling a cauldron was centrally located, and hundreds of pipes, seemingly used to transport molten mana stones to various parts of the building, were densely connected to the floor underneath.
Today’s mana stones seemed to have already been completely dissolved, and the system wasn’t in operation.
It was fortunate for me.
If the Ark were in operation, intense heat would have been emitted to the extent that even standing in front of it would be difficult.
…Anyway.
Why on earth did the Iris of Laplace bring me here?
“……”
In this vast and dimly lit space, there was nothing but the chillingly cooled dissolution apparatus.
There were no visible staff, not even maintenance personnel.
I wandered around for a while, and eventually, I approached the Ark.
It was at that moment.
▼
Found an artifact that can be accessed
Mystery: Astera Vision
Sync in progress…
▲
Zzzz-
A courteous noise rang in my ears, and my vision shook.
▼
Providing the appropriate syncing method based on the current user’s situation.
Please follow the instructions of this artifact from now on
Step 1: Disable the surveillance system of the Ark Room
Recommend using ‘Zero Requiem’s Robe’
▲
Among them, one caught my attention immediately.
‘Mystery….’
Rosenstark’s mysteries.
It was a term encompassing the most overwhelming magical devices among all the magical devices in the academy.
As a representative example, there was the ‘Eternal Spring,’ which maintained a constant temperature in the academy buildings throughout the year.
There were also occurrences like the ‘Golden Books that Sleep’ that appeared once a year.
Even ‘Dreamscape’ and the ‘Library of Memories’ fell into the category of mysteries.
However, Astera Vision was a term I had never heard before, even as someone who knew a fair amount about Rosenstark’s history and secrets.
“……”
I decided to follow the guidance for now and raised my mana.
What the Iris of Laplace was looking at was clear.
Cast ‘Dispel’ on the image beads in this room.
So, conceal the scenes that will unfold next in secrecy.
“Dispel.”
Whoooooosh!
A flash emanated from my attire, forming ripples.
A light that nullified all magic below Maester rank.
The surveillance image beads were instantly neutralized.
In the momentarily brightened and then darkened vision, comments appeared again.
▼
Step 2: Reactivate Astera Vision
▲
HEL SCANS
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—————
Zzzzz-
Lines made of light began to appear on the tough surface of the Ark.
Circles and ellipses.
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Straight lines and curves.
Countless symbols and numbers.
Characters that seemed to be ancient languages.
In the dim space, they shone like gold.
They even seemed to resemble embers at a glance.
▼
Engrave it
▲
As if entranced, I approached and traced the trajectory with my fingers.
Ssshh-
Strangely, the surface of the Arc, which should have felt firm, felt as smooth as water.
Without any resistance, my hand moved.
As the movement repeated, the dim light, which had been murky, gradually intensified, and mana began to ripple in multiple directions.
And at the moment when that power reached its peak.
▼
Astera Vision is unlocked
▲
The completed rays of light explosively emanated, filling the chamber.
The Hero opened his eyes wide, reading the continuing comments.
▼
This artifact is in progress in linking with the Iris of Laplace…
Integration complete
Would you like to see an overview of Astera Vision?
▲
I nodded.
▼
Astera Vision is one of the ‘Mysteries of Rosenstark,’ created for the purpose of ensuring the safety of internal personnel and guarding against external intrusion and manipulation.
It operates by precisely analyzing the pattern of reflected magical waves after the emitted mana waves collide with a target, allowing for the detection of the target.
Stored in the innermost part of the Control Tower, the Ark Room, with concealment, disguise, and locking spells, and when linked with this artifact, it can operate regardless of time and place.
It detects traces of demons more sensitively than any existing detection device.
It becomes possible to confirm the locations of individuals recorded in this artifact.
Some functions are locked.
▲
A belated line was added.
▼
My surveillance does not end…
▲
Zero’s last comment, seemingly left directly, disappeared at the same time.
Accompanied by a significant vibration, the entire field of vision was tinted in a blue hue.
What appeared was an overview encompassing the entire Rosenstark.
The scene brought back memories of looking at the academy when I morphed into a bird.
The only difference was the sparkling blue dots scattered throughout.
A small comment was attached next to it.
The Hero, scrutinizing it with narrowed eyes, soon realized its identity.
‘Names…?’
Noubelmag was in the craftsman’s workshop.
Pia was in the research lab.
Kasim… in the maids’ recreation area.
Senetta’s name was also visible.
Leciel and Ban, Evergreen, Luke were in the training grounds.
Cuculli was in the kitchen….
The Hero, aware of these individuals recorded in the Iris of Laplace, saw all their locations displayed in his field of vision.
On the other hand, the majority of individuals he hadn’t noticed were represented by smaller dots.
Since there were no comments attached, it was impossible to identify them.
In places like the dormitories, where people were densely packed, it looked like a giant dot.
…Of course, not all facilities could be seen at once due to the vast Rosenstark premises.
However, zooming in and out was possible based on one’s will, so there was no inconvenience.
The Hero marveled, his mouth slightly agape.
‘…Certainly, it has detection abilities that deserve to be called a mystery.’
I could understand why Zero Requiem had hidden this mystery in the most guarded area of Rosenstark, even using various concealment spells.
If, by any chance, this mystery fell into the hands of someone hostile to the academy, Rosenstark would face an unprecedented crisis.
‘…But why is Cuculli in the kitchen?’
‘Nyhill is in the Garden of Letters, probably enjoying free bread.’
‘…What is Gerald doing in front of the girls’ dormitory?’
The Hero, fascinated, continued to examine various locations on the map… until he discovered a vague square window at the bottom.
A translucent space.
Brief explanations came to mind.
▼
Log: This is a place where significant changes within the academy are separately recorded.
▲
And there, comments that could instantly dispel his excitement and anticipation were written.
▼
Faint traces of demons are felt within the academy.
Detailed tracking is not possible.
▲
At the same time, the Iris of Laplace issued the next instruction.
▼
Find the collaborators within the academy.
▲
* * *
“So, that’s how it is.”
[Collaborators within the academy…]
Collaborators, in this context, referred to humans swayed by demonic energy, forming alliances with demons.
In a broad sense, they were often associated with traitors, but it specifically referred to individuals who directly made contracts or contacts with demons, not just a simple cooperation.
In other words, they were particularly nefarious among traitors.
[A very thorough investigation, I see.]
Euphemia’s eyes, having heard the explanation, subtly trembled.
Although she didn’t contort her face or utter curses, the Emperor’s anger was palpable.
The Hero shared a similar sentiment.
[…I thought you were more skilled at maintaining your expression.]
“I’m working on it.”
[……]
“In truth, you suspected it from the beginning, didn’t you? Whether sooner or later… that they would extend their influence to Rosenstark. Your concerns have now become a foregone conclusion.”
The Emperor nodded.
Certainly, Rosenstark’s defense system was stringent and robust enough that even a large army would find it challenging to breach.
However, when it came to physical defense, preventing human change of heart was another matter.
[He might have been planted there from the beginning.]
“They could have hastily infiltrated after I took office. Or perhaps both.”
[We’ll allocate resources for an extensive identification process. If we dig deep enough, we might find something.]
“Blindly stirring things up won’t likely increase the chances of finding him, and you know that well. If he manages to hide, it’ll be even more troublesome. He’ll be more cautious in devising schemes.”
Euphemia furrowed her brow.
[So what? Are you planning to let it be for now?]
“I have a better plan. Trust me for now.”
[…Plan?]
The Emperor tapped her desk with his fingertips.
She gazed at him fixedly, seeming uneasy but refraining from expressing any explicit dissatisfaction.
As the pendulum-like movement of her eyes continued, they narrowed slightly.
[Let’s hear it first.]
The Hero spoke.
“I want someone sent to Rosenstark.”
[Who?]
“Felson Dietrich.”
Felson Dietrich.
Given the circumstances, he was one of the Knights of Dawn members who was least likely to be a traitor.
HEL SCANS
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