Magic Academy's Genius Blinker - Chapter 225
Chapter 225
End of Summer (5)
The moment the black scythe flew toward my neck, only one thought crossed my mind.
‘I’m really going to die.’
Calculations? Strategy? Negotiation?
None of that mattered anymore.
The only thing I could do right now was to [Blink] forward.
Slash!
The sound of the seats and windows beside where I had been standing being cleanly sliced apart echoed simultaneously as I managed to get right up to the assailant.
However, even though I had closed the distance, without my Terivon, there wasn’t much I could do. And even if I had a weapon, it was doubtful whether I could inflict any damage on this opponent.
So, I did nothing.
The figure, surprised by my sudden teleportation, momentarily widened their eyes before quickly jumping back.
Then, in a chilling voice, they asked,
-Blink magic… You use a peculiar spell. Why didn’t you attack?
It was obvious that swinging around this cheap staff, which was now worth less to me than a back-scratcher, would have no effect, so there was no need to explain that.
T h is w a s c o pi e d f r o m k i n g m t l . or g
However, there was also no need to remain silent. On the contrary… if this person had misunderstood something, it would be better to take advantage of that.
“Karl Harimus.”
I couldn’t quite remember, but it seemed I had guessed correctly as the figure’s eyes widened significantly.
‘Witch Hunters.’
They are beings who live hidden in the shadows of the world, known for hunting witches, who were thought to be extinct.
However… becoming a Witch Hunter comes with the price of abandoning one’s entire identity.
Race, gender, age, even their name and face.
To face witches, they found it necessary to relinquish themselves. Since witches possess abilities that can be as addictive and alluring as drugs, the hunters must forsake their own identities.
-How do you know that name?
“Why do you think? I’ll let you figure that out.”
-…Could it be? Are you also a Witch Hunter?
“Yes. Due to certain circumstances, I can’t show you my proof right now, but isn’t the Witch’s Crystal enough evidence?”
Since they lived isolated from society, their social skills were extremely lacking. It was important to soothe them with words as much as possible.
The figure scrutinized me closely, then narrowed their eyes slightly.
-But… you haven’t discarded your face.
T hi s w a s c o p ie d f r o m ki n g mt l . o r g
“It’s a temporary one I’m using. The witch I tracked down this time has been hiding within society.”
-That’s unusual… But as a Witch Hunter, don’t you have any pride?
“Having pride is pointless when dealing with a witch I absolutely want to kill. I can never forgive that one.”
The Witch Hunter lowered their staff after briefly hesitating at my impassioned plea.
-…I see.
This is why the ability of Red Spring March is so useful. Even if it isn’t genuine, as long as I put on a ‘performance,’ my face shows sincerity. This perfect act is sure to deceive anyone.
“Then, I’ll take that crystal now. It’s my spoils.”
-Sorry. I’ll return it to you.
The Witch Hunter handed me the crystal orb.
Taking the crystal, I hesitated for a moment.
While witches rarely appear in the main episodes, related characters do exist.
For instance, Arain, the General Commander of Stella’s Magic Knights, is living on borrowed time due to a curse placed by a witch, and Hyeijin Macaron of the 13th Extermination Unit has witch blood running through her veins.
Witches have left significant scars on the story of Aether World, and despite their rare appearances, the power they wield is immense.
The [Witch’s Crystal Orb of 498] that I possess… to be honest, it’s an incomplete, half-finished item.
When I played Aether World Online, I wasn’t particularly interested in witches, so I never fully completed the item.
But what if I could complete it now?
T his w a s cop i e d f r o m k i n g m t l . o r g
It might even surpass the Wheel of Dawn that I lost.
-I should be going now.
As the Witch Hunter began to fade into mist, I hastily called out.
“Wait.”
-…What is it?
“To be honest, I could use your help in this witch hunt. It’s not something difficult; do you think you could assist me?”
-Speak. If it’s for the sake of hunting a witch, I’ll help however I can.
“I planned to lure the witch using this Witch’s Crystal Orb, but the power within it is severely weakened. I need to replenish it with mana, and for that, I was wondering if you could take me to your pocket dimension.”
-Why is that?
“My current pocket dimension was completely destroyed in a recent battle.”
T hi s w as c o p i e d f r om k in g mt l. or g
-Did a witch do that?
“Yes, it was a witch skilled in pain magic. It was a horrific battle, but I managed to slay it.”
-I see.
The Witch Hunter pondered for a moment before nodding.
-Follow me.
They swung their staff broadly, and the air split in half, revealing a dark crimson warp hole.
‘Oh…’
Honestly, it was quite fascinating.
This w a s co p i e d fr o m k i n g m tl . o r g
A spatial mage would need to be at least 7-Class to pull off a technique like that, yet these guys can use such skills freely.
As the Witch Hunter stepped into the other side of the space, I followed suit. The space that unfolded was pitch black.
T h i s w a s c opi e d f r om k i n g mt l . or g
The interior resembled an ordinary alchemist’s laboratory, but the feeling was different, almost like it belonged to a mad scientist conducting grotesque experiments.
Fragments of creatures, presumably monsters or humans, were scattered around, entangled and fused together to create even more horrifying forms.
The fruits of their efforts to abandon their physical bodies.
I tried my best not to look at them. Even with the protection of Red Spring March, it was still difficult to endure such revolting sights.
-It’s the essence of a witch.
“…You’ve collected quite a bit.”
When the Witch Hunter handed me a beaker filled with dark red liquid, I praised them out of courtesy. But when I analyzed the quantity with my Bulbul Glasses…
To be honest, it wasn’t that much. It was certainly enough for my use, but it was clear that this Witch Hunter hadn’t been at it for very long.
That’s probably why they fell for my blatant lie so easily.
‘Hmm, should I take a bit more?’
Originally, I was only planning to take a little, but I changed my mind.
“I’ll make good use of it.”
Carefully opening the dark red beaker, I placed my Witch’s Crystal Orb on the table and slowly poured the liquid over it.
Ssssss…!
Soon after, a message appeared.
[The grade of the item ‘Witch’s Crystal Orb of 498’ has increased.]
[Witch’s Crystal Orb of 499]
Witches don’t have names. If they were to have one, it would be the number of years they’ve lived. Having grown tired of their endless life of killing, their age became synonymous with power, strength, and meaning.
This crystal, created by a witch who had lived for an astonishing 498 years, absorbed the aid of the Witch Hunter, gaining an additional year… but honestly, it’s not enough.
If it could gain just one more year, it would become a 500-year-old crystal orb, but there’s no way for me to raise its grade on my own.
Gurgle gurgle!
Ssssss…!
So, I poured the beaker’s magic into my crystal generously.
“Uh…”
-Aren’t you using too much?
Witch’s mana is the sustenance and source of power for Witch Hunters. It seemed that using so much made them a bit reluctant.
“Just a little more, I promise.”
-But still, this is a bit…
“Sorry. I’ll pay you back later.”
-This is too much. Even if you’re a fellow Witch Hunter, I can’t tolerate excessive greed.
Geez.
What a whiner.
Having no other choice, I decided to poke a bit at the fact that they were a novice Witch Hunter.
“Hey.”
-Speak.
“So, how many witches have you caught so far? Have you reached ten yet?”
-…Seven.
“Click. That’s why you don’t know. I’ve caught over thirty witches so far.”
-Impressive. So what?
“I’m saying you’re a rookie. To lure the witch I’m hunting next, I need a 500-year-old crystal orb, but of course, you don’t know why, do you?”
They fell silent, pondering for a moment, before shaking their head.
-I don’t know.
“I figured as much.”
Of course they wouldn’t.
Th i s w a s c o pi e d f ro m k i n g m t l . o r g
I don’t know either.
“This hunt is extremely important. I’m planning to hunt a terrifying, monstrous, ultra-powerful witch. Understand now? By donating your dark mana to me, you’re helping to eliminate one more of those vile witches.”
The figure still seemed somewhat unconvinced, but since I mentioned catching thirty witches, they eventually agreed, albeit reluctantly.
Ding!
[The grade of the item has increased.]
[Witch’s Crystal Orb of 500]
The item was completed while we conversed.
Since taking any more would make me feel guilty, I placed the beaker back on the table, then patted the Witch Hunter on the shoulder as I passed by.
“If this hunt is successful, half the credit will go to you. Anyway, thanks. I’ll make good use of it.”
-…Alright.
As I briskly left the Witch Hunter’s pocket dimension, I found myself back inside the train.
“Phew…”
T h i s w a s c opi e d fr o m k ing m t l. o r g
He didn’t follow, did he?
Worried that he might hold a grudge and come after me, I was relieved when the pocket dimension disappeared as soon as I stepped out.
“Click click. People should learn to share a bit.”
I collapsed into my original seat, and the oppressive atmosphere that had darkened the space quickly dissipated.
Clank, clank!
The train resumed its normal speed, and the passengers who had vanished without a trace returned to their original positions, none the wiser.
Thinking about how that was all the work of a rookie Witch Hunter made me break out in a slight cold sweat.
Well, anyway.
All’s well that ends well, right?
“Let’s check the item.”
[Witch’s Crystal Orb of 500]
T h i s w a s c o pi e d f ro m k i n g m t l . or g
*Description: A special crystal orb created by a witch who lived for 498 years to strengthen her physical body. When used, it transports the user to the witch’s domain.
▼Options
T his w a s c o p ie d fr o m k i ng mt l . o r g
1. Swim to Escape the Shark!
2. Daring Dash on a Narrow Bridge.
3. Run with the Wolves.
Hmm, it’s exactly as I expected.
It’s a peculiar item that drastically increases physical stats every time you clear what’s commonly referred to as a ‘mini-game.’
Since it only enhances physical stats, it wasn’t particularly popular in the game.
I’m not sure what this witch intended by training her body, but the most prevalent rumor was that she died while playing the mini-games of the crystal orb, so I should be cautious when using it.
It’s dangerous. That’s for sure.
But since the growth it promises is certain… it’s only natural that I’d feel a little excited about it.
‘…Should I give it a try before I arrive?’
My original plan was to sneak in some training with it after I arrived at the dormitory, but now that I had the 500-year-old crystal orb, I couldn’t wait any longer.
[You are using the Witch’s Crystal Orb.]
[You are being transported to the stage ‘Swim to Escape the Shark!’]
End of Chapter
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