Chapter 326: The Unsettled Capital
Top floor of the Magic Association.
Rhodes stood before the largest magic circle in the center of the laboratory. Countless tiny points of light dotted the formation, representing two completely different biological coding structures.
Although talking about science in a magical world was a bit strange, when it came to creating magic at the level of life itself, even Rhodes had to proceed step-by-step according to certain laws of this world.
After all, this sort of thing couldn't just be created out of thin air by thinking, "I reckon this works."
Fortunately, relying on his [Creation] talent, he had found a sliver of possibility.
Inside the magic circle, countless points of light were manipulated by Rhodes, attempting to merge with each other. Unfortunately, the rejection stemming from their genes caused countless experiments to end in failure.
"Failed again? Let me note that down."
Rhodes frowned, recording the data of this experiment on a piece of paper beside him.
This was already his one hundred and fifty-sixth failed simulation, but he showed no intention of giving up.
For others, they might not even have the opportunity to conduct this experiment. For him, it might take at least ten thousand trials to find the correct path.
As Rhodes began another experiment, the only sound in the room was the faint hum of flowing mana.
Unknown how much time passed, the door to the room was pushed open with a bang by an unreasonable force.
Serie walked in, obvious irritation on her face.
"Is the matter resolved?" Rhodes asked without looking up.
Just moments ago, the elf had sensed a mana fluctuation in the Association while taking a bath. She had simply thrown on some clothes and rushed over.
Now, it seemed the matter was resolved, though for some reason, Serie seemed to be in a bad mood.
"Mn. Alvin and that Legolas fought."
She briefly recounted the conflict between the two and the root of her unhappiness: Alvin wanted Rhodes's immortality magic.
"Thinking of immortality at such a young age... a bit too ambitious, isn't he?" Rhodes laughed.
"That is not the point!" the elf complained grumpily. She picked up a thick grimoire from the floor and tossed it onto a nearby table with a dull thud. "The point is that he wants immortality magic! That is the issue!"
Serie was very unhappy.
Because this meant her own disciple coveted Rhodes's immortality magic. That was not a good thing.
"Do you think I should kick him out?" Serie whispered.
"No need for that." Rhodes comforted her quickly. "Kicking someone out for such a small thing is a bit unreasonable."
"Mainly... what if he harbors hostility toward you in the future..." Serie's voice grew quieter.
She didn't want to see a future where she had raised an enemy for Rhodes.
"That is indeed a problem." Rhodes considered it seriously. "If we refuse to give it to them forever, they might indeed develop dissatisfaction."
"They dare?!" Serie raised her voice, a hint of killing intent in her tone.
If that really happened, she wouldn't mind cleaning house.
"Tch! Speaking of which, quite a few little mice have sneaked into the capital recently."
As she spoke, Serie naturally walked to the wide chair Rhodes usually sat on, covered with soft cushions. She sat down unceremoniously, curling her legs up and sinking into the soft fur, as if trying to shed all her complicated thoughts.
"How so?" Rhodes asked.
He temporarily stopped the deduction of the life formula, and the light of the magic circle dimmed.
Walking to a cabinet beside which a small ice-attribute magic circle ran constantly, he took out a crystal pitcher filled with chilled juice and poured her a glass.
Serie took the cup. The cold temperature slightly eased the irritation on her face.
She tilted her head back and took a large gulp before continuing, "Haven't you noticed the abnormal number of mages pouring into the capital recently? Although the war in the North is ending soon, having so many mages gathered in the capital... it is hard to imagine what they want to do."
"Naturally, I noticed. In fact, just yesterday, a minister from Ersten came to speak to me about this."
"Currently, thousands of mages from various races have gathered in the capital. That minister is very worried they might cause trouble."
Such a number of mages gathering in the capital of Ersten was clearly abnormal.
"Tch! That many? How much longer until Legate returns?"
"Who knows?" Rhodes shook his head. "Even if he returns, he can't do anything. After all, these mages use legitimate excuses, claiming they want to see the glory of the God-slayer and join the Magic Association to study magic."
"Heh! I think they want your immortality magic, don't they?" Serie sneered. "I thought killing a batch in the Southern Empire would be enough to dispel their thoughts. I didn't expect these people to be so reckless..."
Listening to her complaint filled with killing intent, Rhodes walked to her side, leaned against the edge of the chair, and looked at her gently. Yet the words he spoke were incomparably cold.
"No matter. It is nothing more than killing another batch."
"Let's not care about them. Care more about your disciples," Rhodes said slowly. "Your teaching methods are a bit too strict. Although mages who can withstand your tempering will definitely become legendary powerhouses in the future..." He paused, adding, "Occasional encouragement is also needed."
"Encouragement?" Serie raised an eyebrow and put down her cup. "They aren't Flamme. Naturally, I must treat them with the strictest attitude. Being merciful to them now is being cruel to their future. Besides, magic is used for killing."
Her tone was resolute; clearly, she had no intention of relaxing her teaching methods.
Rhodes smiled and didn't argue.
He reached out, naturally brushing away a few stray strands of golden hair from her cheek, his fingertips caressing her face.
"You have worked hard," he said simply.
This subtle intimate gesture instantly stalled whatever Serie wanted to say next.
She lowered her head slightly, not shaking off the man's hand, allowing him to stroke her cheek. But her mouth refused to soften. "...As long as you know."
The laboratory fell into a brief silence.
Only now did Serie's attention shift to the dimmed magic circle in the center. Looking at the points of light, she asked, "How is your magic progressing?"
"Very slow." Rhodes followed her gaze. "The rejection of life sources is more severe than anticipated. There are thousands of ways to attempt fusion; I need to try them one by one."
"Sounds troublesome," Serie commented.
"Indeed," Rhodes admitted. "But thinking of the potential return, any amount of trouble is worth it."
Serie naturally understood what "return" he referred to. The heat that had just faded from her body seemed to be trending upward again.
She shifted uncomfortably, moving her gaze away from the magic circle. Picking up the drink again, she took small sips, trying to use the cold juice to lower her body temperature.
"Whatever. You have plenty of time to fuss over it anyway," she said, feigning indifference.
Looking at her say one thing but mean another, the smile on Rhodes's face deepened.
He didn't continue the topic, instead asking, "What do you want to eat tonight? I can have them prepare it. Or... shall we go out for a walk? I heard a new dessert shop opened in the east of the city. Their honey cake has good reviews."
Serie's eyes lit up slightly, but she quickly put on a stern face. "Dessert? I don't like that sort of thing..." She paused, seemingly undergoing a fierce internal struggle, before adding in a near-mumble, "...However, trying it occasionally should be fine."
Rhodes reached out, this time directly holding her hand resting on her knee, and pulled her up from the soft chair.
"Then let's go, before it gets dark."
"..."
Serie struggled symbolically for a moment, then let him lead her out by the hand.
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