The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

”What did you want to see me about?”

Wizard Yi Si’s tone was as cold as ever, his face impassive. He pushed open the door and got straight to the point.

Wang Ya added some Kadou Powder to the drink in front of him—a concoction with frog legs dangling over the rim of the cup. The powder would add a bit of sweetness. The liquid’s color gradually shifted from black to a pale cyan.

As Wang Ya looked at the purple-haired, middle-aged man sitting in the chair across from him, he hesitated, unsure of how to address him.

Finally, he spoke. ”Wizard Yi Si, it’s been a while.”

”Mm,” he replied.

Silence fell over the room. The two of them sat in silence, and the atmosphere grew oppressive.

The words Wang Ya had intended to say caught in his throat... He finally spoke, his tone a bit stiff. ”Wizard Yi Si, I was wondering if you had any news of Tuta Wizard.”

Wizard Yi Si shot Wang Ya a look, seemingly surprised by the question.

”I haven’t been able to contact Tuta Wizard since we were at Ancient Forest Mountain...”

”He’s not at headquarters. He went to Cyan Ridge Wizard City in the Divine Eagle Territory. If you want to find him, it’s probably impossible. He accepted a long-term mission and has taken up a post there.”

Wizard Yi Si said flatly. Just then, his Wizard’s Beverage was ready, and a Wizard Waiter brought it over on a tray.

”I see.” Wang Ya was taken aback for a moment. He hesitated before asking, ”Wizard Yi Si, what are your thoughts on the recent internal investigation?”

Wizard Yi Si frowned, not quite understanding what Wang Ya was getting at. He said, ”As the most outstanding Wizard Freshman of the moment, and one who has earned the title of Child of the Dark, you should be strictly adhering to the rules of the Dark Land and upholding them. Don’t entertain any improper thoughts.”

”Those people violated the rules and created unfairness for everyone. They will be punished as they deserve, without exception.”

”Everyone is equal under the rules. No one gets special privileges. Even Official Wizards face the same consequences if they break the rules.” Wizard Yi Si’s tone was adamant; on this point, he was completely uncompromising.

”I understand. I just wonder when this internal investigation will be over.” Wang Ya changed the subject, dismissing his own inner thoughts.

’That Wizard couldn’t have been Yi Si. Ever since Ancient Forest Mountain, Wizard Yi Si has always been a strict upholder of the rules.’

”Who knows? Maybe a month, maybe three. In any case, the organization must be purged.” A cold sneer touched Wizard Yi Si’s lips. He gripped the spoon in his hand, then tossed it onto the table. ”I never imagined there were so many parasites within the Dark Land. As long as they aren’t all cleaned out, this can go on for half a year, even a full year is acceptable.”

”The rules of the Dark Land must not be violated by anyone. They are the very foundation of our existence. If even we break our own rules and lose our fairness and justice, how can we expect to attract other Wizards to join us? How could the Dark Land survive?”

Wizard Yi Si picked up his drink, gulped it down, and set the cup back on the table. He said flatly, ”There’s a hidden meaning in your words. I don’t know what you’re getting at, but as long as you don’t break any rules, I don’t care. Think whatever you want; it’s up to you.”

Wang Ya stroked his chin, a slight smile playing on his lips. ”The three tenets of a Wizard’s nature: equivalent exchange, accepting the consequences, and the pursuit of truth... As a Wizard of the Dark Land, and a Child of the Dark no less, I naturally have to meet that standard.”

After finishing his drink, Wizard Yi Si left.

Wang Ya’s fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop as he suppressed the thoughts swirling in his mind. He muttered to himself, ”It has nothing to do with me, anyway. The internal investigation is a matter for the higher-ups. I just need to focus on completing my Wizard Experiment.”

’As long as I stay in the Illusory Dream Tower, even if some Wizards have it in for me because of this investigation, there’s nothing they can do.’

’As for the information on the Dark Wizard Mark, it can’t affect me in the slightest.’

’My real goal is the Dark Secret Realm, a hundred years from now.’

’Advancing to a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice is the most important thing for me right now.’

The only reason he asked about Tuta Wizard was because of the bond they had formed on the Wizard Ship.

Now that he had some power of his own, he wanted to see if he could help and repay the favor.

’Wizard Yi Si said Tuta Wizard is in the Divine Eagle Territory. He signed a Wizard Contract with the leader of the Divine Eagle School and is now one of their Wizards.’

’A long-term mission in Cyan Ridge Wizard City... Speaking of which, Gray seems to have joined the Divine Eagle School, too. He’s apparently shown considerable talent in Biological Cultivation; that brown-skinned lizard of his has reached the power level of a Middle-tier Extraordinary Creature.’

Wang Ya shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. He got up and left the room.

.....

「Harak’s Store.」

Wang Ya met with Mona again. They exchanged a few words, discussing their views on the current situation at headquarters. He gave her a friendly warning, telling her not to go out much for the time being.

Wang Ya bought quite a few things this time, spending all of his remaining Magic Stones.

As it happened, Hades was also in the store. Because of his alliance with the Antuun Clan, he even gave Wang Ya a discount.

”Looks like he’s planning to go into seclusion. I wonder how much his power will increase this time,” Hades remarked, watching Wang Ya’s retreating back. Beside him, Mona bit her lip, also deciding to enter seclusion to try and complete the tracing of her Wizard Rune.