Chapter 32: Visit (3)

Neutral Named Ones.

Neither good nor evil.

A type that prioritizes their own will or the will of their group.

In cases where they act according to the group’s will, their tendencies split into two distinct kinds.

Those who say, “Even if the world falls apart, we’re fine,” and ignore it,

and those who say, “The world falling apart is just a natural flow,” and let it be.

Egis and Osera belonged to groups with exactly these two tendencies.

Being neutral but leaning toward good, they help players a little, but that’s about it.

They don’t assist enough to be called true allies.

And yet…

“Evan Alkart fits perfectly with our Alchemy Tower. An alchemist, and the youngest one at that!”

“There’s no need to force affiliation, is there? The Tower of Space-Time is ready to embrace any talent.”

“Embrace, my foot! You’d just lock him up and let him rot!”

“It’s not letting him rot—it’s protection. Do you know how many people, driven by jealousy, try to harm a talent born after such a long time?”

Why are they fighting over me?

Evan’s expression turned sour on its own.

Fine, let’s say fighting is one thing.

But…

I didn’t even say I’d join anyone!

Their entire premise was that Evan would join one of their groups.

Evan had no such intention.

Being part of the Alkart Ducal Family was more than enough.

Plenty of support, food and lodging provided.

As long as he could somewhat overcome his physical discomfort, it was a decent place.

The Alchemy Tower? 

The Tower of Space-Time?

He didn’t need either.

Having connections was sufficient.

I’m not some protagonist who needs to control every little thing. 

Why make it so exhausting?

Just let things roll on their own.

But regardless of Evan’s intentions, they kept going, drumming and clanging like a one-man band.

“An alchemist belongs at the Alchemy Tower! Don’t you know he should go where he can fully utilize his profession?”

“Do you really think the Alchemy Tower is a place where an alchemist can grow? Those people, stuck in their old ways, might actually hinder such a noble person’s development.”

“You, would you say that in front of the other elders?”

“Of course. I’m fair to everyone.”

Osera’s head briefly turned toward Evan before returning to its original position.

“But to this noble person, I make an exception.”

“Oh, really?”

In short, the Alchemy Tower was a group of rigid old-timers.

It wasn’t wrong, but being criticized yourself feels different from criticizing others.

Egis’s lips trembled slightly.

“So high and mighty, and yet you drove out the Oracle of the Starry Sky?”

This time, Osera’s lips stiffened.

It hit a nerve, clearly.

The Oracle of the Starry Sky came from the Tower of Space-Time?

A seer who reads constellations, divines fates, and interprets destinies.

Wandering the continent, her appearances—when, where, and how—were completely unpredictable.

The one certain thing was the Oracle’s [purpose].

The Oracle was a force for good.

Not just an ally, but a true force for good.

She loved humanity, divined fates, and guided people toward better paths.

Yet, in some places, they called her a “witch” instead of an “oracle” and sought to kill her—foolish nonsense.

Tch, tch. The Oracle is one of the few true saints.

Gentle in nature, never betraying, always acting with kindness.

Her design was beautifully crafted, too.

Evan’s favorite character.

Though her appearances were few, they were always impactful, making her a beloved character.

How unexpected.

To think the Oracle, a quintessential force for good, came from the neutral Tower of Space-Time.

Why didn’t the game reveal such crucial information?

The game barely provided any details about the Oracle.

Her appearances followed a predictable pattern.

When someone was in danger.

Or when someone desperately sought their fate.

The Oracle of the Starry Sky, who wandered her whole life, would appear, read the constellations, guide their fate, and in the end…

sacrifice herself and die.

Her final words were among the most memorable scenes.

…Don’t be too sad, noble one. 

This was for me. 

This time… I won…

[Noble Sacrifice].

Just imagining it brought a slight tear to his eye.

If I get close to her this time, maybe I could connect with the Oracle?

Evan was seriously considering this when…

Osera, her lips still stiff, retorted.

“She wasn’t driven out. She left on her own.”

“Same difference. Why did she leave? Because you all acted so deplorably, she walked away.”

Egis, sensing an advantage, grinned widely.

“At least we don’t force people to stay.”

“Don’t you mean you don’t let them leave?”

“Come on, abandoning someone just because they’re not up to par? Your first comrade is your comrade forever—you take care of them to the end.”

Sure, it sounds nice, but in reality, they suck you dry to the bone.

They only quietly discard you once you’re forgotten.

And they clean up the mess to avoid any backlash.

That’s why Evan didn’t like the Alchemy Tower.

No loyalty, no heart.

“Now, Evan!”

Convinced of her upper hand, Egis turned to Evan, spreading her arms wide.

“Which of us do you like more? I think we’ve done enough PR!”

“Noble one.”

Osera clasped her hands respectfully and bowed slightly.

Hmm.

She did resemble the Oracle a bit.

“Please, make a wise choice.”

Her gaze locked onto Evan.

Though her eyes were hidden, the intense passion was palpable.

The burning desire to win Evan over!

This is driving me crazy.

Let’s shift the topic for now.

A proper conversation was needed.

“Um, what exactly do I gain by joining either of your towers?”

“We’ll give you a Time Herb.”

“I’ll give you the research notes of the Forgotten Great Alchemist.”

“Then, in addition to a Dimension Herb, we’ll teach you one ‘Space Magic’ spell.”

“Then I’ll teach you ‘Magic Enchantment’ as well.”

“…”

Their eyes met again.

Sparks flew between them.

An auction!

Whoever wins gets Evan!

***

“Two Space Magic spells along with the Time Herb.”

“Research notes, Magic Enchantment, and potion synthesis.”

“I’ll also teach you one Time Magic spell.”

“And I’ll throw in a personal laboratory.”

“Does that even help? A Regression Herb. It lets you go back one second in time…”

As expected of Evan!

Lapis, munching on a cucumber, stared at Evan with sparkling eyes.

The two women.

They were raising the stakes with strange offers, but both were significant figures.

Representatives of their respective groups.

Their initial motives seemed slightly impure.

Not enough to stir the Sin of Wrath in Lapis, but something felt off.

Now, though, that was gone.

Pure sincerity.

They were raising the stakes because they genuinely saw Evan’s talent.

Heh heh. 

That’s it.

With Frey gone,

the peaceful days had started to feel boring.

Who would’ve thought he’d encounter such entertainment?

Evan must have predicted all of this, right?

Starting an orphanage out of nowhere after Frey appeared.

Accepting Frey’s flimsy excuse about wanting independence.

Frey’s departure was all part of the plan.

Then this bidding war must also be part of Evan’s grand scheme.

Hmph. 

Impressive.

Egis, her hair soaked with sweat, brushed it back.

“The Tower of Space-Time sure has a lot of money, huh?”

“Money’s value changes over time, but the fact that it’s needed remains constant.”

“Hmph. Fine.”

Egis’s eyes gleamed with determination.

She turned slightly to face Evan.

From her pocket, she pulled out a piece of paper.

The words [Tower Entry Pass] were written on it.

“If you join us, I’ll give you a chance to see the Philosopher’s Stone in person.”

“!”

The Philosopher’s Stone!

Osera’s lips trembled.

Though not an alchemist, she knew the value of the Philosopher’s Stone.

The core sustaining the Alchemy Tower.

The ultimate essence of all alchemy.

Rumor had it, it could grant any wish.

Tch, that’s cheating!

To bring up the Philosopher’s Stone!

However…

…Eh, not really?

The offer didn’t resonate with Evan.

It’s not like it’s omnipotent anyway.

Before his possession, Evan had seen the pinnacle of alchemy through the alchemist route.

[Homunculus], [Elixir], [Philosopher’s Stone].

The three essences completed.

Sure, the [Philosopher’s Stone] was useful, but it was still a human-made creation.

It couldn’t produce knowledge that didn’t exist, unlike the Emerald Tablet.

If anything, the Tower of Space-Time’s offer is more appealing than the Alchemy Tower.

The reason?

The ‘Space Magic’ and ‘Time Herb’ offered by the Tower of Space-Time were more tempting.

His ring still had no magic stored in it.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have one spell engraved?

But accepting their offer outright feels… off.

Joining either group aside, the rewards were too excessive.

At this rate, wouldn’t they be pulling out the very roots of their towers?

Even if I accept, it’ll probably backfire.

It might feel good now.

But it would draw way too much attention.

As the guy who uprooted a tower’s foundation!

Now was the time to step back as a gracious man.

Definitely not out of fear of retaliation.

“…Let’s stop the auction here. I have no intention of joining any group right now.”

“What? Why?!”

“Why is that?”

At their questions, Evan racked his brain.

A good excuse…

Aha!

Got one.

“I’m not an adult yet.”

Evan said with a calm face.

“I don’t want to leave the ducal house while I’m still under my parents’ protection.”

“…Uh, well, that’s true.”

He already seemed like an adult, though?

They’d heard he hadn’t had his coming-of-age ceremony, but…

His tone and emotional control were more mature than most adults.

Still, since he said so himself,

they reluctantly accepted it.

Here, Evan was the one in charge.

No need for them, the subordinates, to upset him.

“That said, there are a few things I want.”

Evan, relieved they accepted his reasoning, continued.

“I’ll pay a fair price. Let’s exchange letters moving forward, maintain a good relationship. How about it?”

“I’m in. You’re welcome anytime.”

Egis replied brightly, immediately agreeing.

Getting rejected by the Alchemy Tower stung, sure.

But if they kept in touch, he might change his mind!

I’ll definitely recruit him.

Egis vowed firmly.

“I’m also in favor.”

Osera agreed as well.

Evan sighed inwardly with relief.

Phew, I survived.

Not a bad outcome, right?

They’d probably ease up on the offers.

We’re friends, after all.

“What I want is a Dimension Herb, one Space Magic spell, and…”

Could he say this?

His mouth felt dry for a moment.

This was his chance.

The last chance to track down her unpredictable location, even just once.

Hoo.

Alright.

Let’s say it.

Evan! You can do this!

“The Oracle of the Starry Sky—where is she?”

“…!”

At the mention of the Oracle’s name, Osera reacted strongly.

“Why her?”

“I have questions about fate.”

That should be fine, right?

It wouldn’t seem like he had ulterior motives, would it?

What Evan wanted was familiarity.

Just enough to exchange letters when needed.

What he wanted right now?

Nothing.

He had no intention of asking her to read his future or divine his fate.

As a typical guy, Evan was the type to overthink if he knew too much.

Though he’d deny it himself.

If I want to see the future, who knows what price I’d have to pay?

Why bother? It’ll work out somehow.

“Would that be difficult?”

Osera fell silent for a moment.

Her bandaged eyes fixed on Evan.

Her mind was a tangle of thoughts, but now it was clear.

Unseen emotions and talent. 

And an interest in fate…

Osera had spent her life studying space-time.

Her aptitude was among the greatest ever.

Even greater than the Oracle who left.

And yet, she could see nothing?

Unless Evan was a complete outsider from another dimension, it made no sense.

It was one of two things.

Either his talent was utterly insignificant, or it was overwhelmingly great.

The latter, most likely.

If he lacked talent, the “observed golem” in the shadows wouldn’t make sense.

The youngest alchemist, Evan Alkart.

The rumors about him weren’t exaggerated.

If anything, they were understated.

And his deep interest in fate, too.

…It seems, Acella.

Osera’s lips curved into a smile.

You’ve misunderstood him.

She recalled the proposal Acella had made not long ago.