Chapter 79: Breaking the Sequence

The Masterials looked puzzled at the mention of a gown.

Especially Leatherer’s expression stood out.

“Are you planning to give it as a gift to a doctor you know?”

“No, I’m going to wear it myself.”

“You, Sir Levan?”

“Yes. I’ll have frequent use for it going forward. So, please take care in making it. I don’t mind how long it takes. Just make it well. And for the leftover leather…”

There was more leather obtained from the Master Orc than expected. Enough to make a gown and still have some left over.

So Levan decided to entrust the remaining leather to the Masterials. Because if he did so,

‘I should be able to complete the quest.’

The Epic Quest, “Return of the Artisan.”

The completion condition: receive at least one masterpiece as a gift from the Masterials.

Of course, knowing the Masterials’ personalities, they would give gifts even without hints.

But if he was going to receive a gift anyway, shouldn’t it be made from the best materials possible?

“I’ll just give the rest to you all. I only need the gown.”

“Even so, this is precious…”

“It’s fine. So please use it well. How long do you think it’ll take?”

“It should take about two days. Is this all you’re asking for?”

“For now.”

“Understood. Still, if you need anything in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to command us. As I said before, Sir Levan’s business is as good as ours.”

“Haha, thank you.”

Afterwards, at Leatherer’s request, Levan had his measurements taken, then left the Workshop.

Once outside, Levan immediately went to find Evergran.

Evergran was at the archery range set up in a corner of the royal palace.

Evergran’s archery form was extraordinary.

Bang!

The arrow, released from the string, shot straight and struck the target.

Levan clapped and spoke.

“Your Highness, your archery skills are truly impressive?”

“Oh, you’ve arrived.”

There weren’t just the two of them at the range.

So they couldn’t chat as casually as usual, but judging by their faces, the formality was gone.

When Evergran dismissed the attendants, only the two remained at the archery range.

Evergran spoke.

“Where have you been?”

“I went to see the Divine Seat whom I serve for a bit.”

“…A god?”

“It happens from time to time. I’m the only War Mage in this world, and I was chosen by that one.”

“I’ve heard of divine possession, but to actually meet a god… You’re even more remarkable than I thought.”

Evergran didn’t take Levan’s words as a joke.

So he repeatedly exclaimed in amazement at the mention of meeting a god.

Levan spoke.

“I have good news. My Divine Seat said this: the Masterials will be taught magic with no price or compensation. That’s why I just came from the Workshop.”

“No price at all?”

“Yeah, I honestly didn’t expect it, but thinking about it, it was thanks to you. Because you established the Mage Tower for War Mages in this country, my Divine Seat seems to be in a good mood.”

“Oh? Then should I start praying as well?”

“Lord Rubix is always watching me, so if you pray, I’m sure you’ll be seen too.”

“Really? Then right away…”

At Levan’s words, Evergran immediately put his hands together and offered a prayer to Rubix.

[Rubix is pleased with Evergran Finriver’s prayer.]

And Rubix truly was pleased.

Seeing the system message, Levan relayed Rubix’s mood to Evergran.

“The Divine Seat is pleased.”

“That’s a relief.”

“So, when I met Lord Rubix, he also had a gift for you.”

“A gift?”

“Nothing huge, just some advice. And it’s up to you whether you follow it or not.”

“If it’s advice from Lord Rubix, of course I’ll follow it. So, what did he say?”

“He said the Queen and the Central Tower Council are moving suspiciously. So, if you want to solidify your royal authority, oust the Queen as soon as possible.”

“The Queen… I’ve already been worrying about what to do about that woman.”

“Then why haven’t you acted yet?”

“I lack justification. There’s still a sizable faction in the palace supporting the Queen. So for now, I’m just waiting and watching.”

Levan almost tried to give advice about Evergran’s worries, but decided to keep quiet.

‘If I butt in without knowing anything, I’ll only be a nuisance.’

These were matters Evergran was much more of an expert on.

The only thing Levan could do was help if Evergran ever asked for it.

Levan spoke.

“Anyway, I’ve passed the message. If anything happens regarding the Central Tower Council, tell me. Their problems are my problems too.”

“Thank you. Just the fact that you agreed to become the Tower Lord has already given me great strength. On that note, Levan.”

“What now? Why do you keep calling my name with that anxious look?”

“Haha, it’s nothing big. I want to give you a gift.”

“A gift?”

Now that was a different story.

At the mention of a gift, Levan immediately smiled.

“What is it?”

“Take this.”

What Evergran handed over—

It was a single earring.

[You have obtained Finriver’s Pair.]

Levan picked up the earring and asked,

“What’s this?”

“It’s one of the royal family’s treasures, allowing communication with each other. Originally it’s given to one’s other half, but I have no plans to marry for a while.”

“What? Other half?”

So that’s why it was called Finriver’s Pair.

Levan frowned, and Evergran explained.

“I am the King of this country and you have become its Grand Sage, so you and I should always be able to communicate. That’s why, after much thought, I decided to give it to you.”

“Well, that makes sense, but…”

“Until I have a spouse, I want you to hold on to it. I wouldn’t have any use for it anyway.”

With him saying that much, how could he refuse?

Levan simply agreed to Evergran’s earnest request.

‘Sure, the meaning behind the item is a bit awkward, but the options themselves are good.’

Levan checked the information on the earring.

[Finriver’s Pair]

- Grade: Legendary, Royal.

- Restrictions: None.

- Durability: 1,000/1,000

- Options

Magic Defense +200.

#Vow of love shared between the King of Paesna and their spouse.

#Able to have heart-to-heart conversations with Evergran.

[#Heart-to-Heart Conversation]

- Effect: Those who each possess a Finriver’s Pair can, using a small amount of mana, communicate telepathically anytime, anywhere.

“……”

Levan was at a loss for words after checking the earring’s options.

The description as a vow of love, and the telepathy function—these were obviously optimal for lovers.

‘To think I’d experience things in a game with a guy that I haven’t even done with my own girlfriend…’

Levan felt a bit self-conscious, but pretended to be grateful.

“Thanks, I’ll use it well.”

“I’m glad you accepted it so happily. So, what will you do now?”

“I have a place to go. Do you know the Tower of Infinity?”

“No. What’s the Tower of Infinity?”

“If you don’t know, that’s fine. I’ll tell you later. I’m off.”

“Come visit any time you want to rest. I’ll always be here.”

After delivering Rubix’s words, Levan put on the earring and tore an teleportation scroll.

His destination, of course, was the Tower of Infinity.

***

[Transferring to the Tower of Infinity.]

As soon as he arrived at the Tower of Infinity, Levan donned his animal mask and cloak.

Then he opened the auction house.

‘It’s about time I tried clearing the second floor.’

He’d completed the Gald Castle quest, and to progress the next Epic Quest, he needed to receive a masterpiece from the Masterials.

He could also open the Growth Cube and tackle the growth quest, but at level 66, he couldn’t put off the Tower of Infinity content any longer.

That’s why he came here first.

‘As far as I know, the second floor of the Tower of Infinity has goblins.’

Level 60-range goblins.

Goblins were definitely weaker than orcs.

But the reason goblins appeared on the higher second floor was because those goblins used ranged weapons.

‘Just the fact that they use ranged attacks raises the difficulty considerably.’

So he opened the auction house in advance to prepare.

‘Should I organize my items?’

Levan glanced at the inventory, stuffed full of items.

Since he didn’t feel the need to dispose of anything, everything he’d picked up since level 1 was still filling his inventory.

But even if he wanted to get rid of things, there were only a few items that seemed worth selling.

‘The only things taking up space are fashion items like the Gnoll Soldier’s Eyepatch, or Dew of the Fairy Spring that I got from the Romantic Sword.’

Actually, even those weren’t really just taking up space.

Fashion items might be useful someday, and the Dew of the Fairy Spring was a gift from the Romantic Sword, so he felt reluctant to get rid of it.

So if he really had to pick something meaningful to dispose of, it would have to be the “Amthosrin’s Symbiotic Pendant.”

‘I guess it’s about time to sell this.’

Amthosrin’s Symbiotic Pendant.

A legendary accessory whose price hit one hundred million because of the Iron Dragon, and something that had to be sold quickly because of that ever-looming threat.

But he didn’t want to just sell it off.

‘After I finish the Tower of Infinity, I should use this for some auction content.’

Now that the item was a celebrity of its own, he could probably get several thousand more for it.

Deciding to discuss the pendant with the company, Levan turned his attention back to the auction house.

Naturally, his shopping target was equipment.

Especially weapons with higher attack power than his current one.

‘For now, the Black Iron Mace is best, right?’

Among player-made weapons, the pure black iron mace was the most reliable and cost-effective.

Levan picked one with a strength requirement of 190 and bought it right away.

[You have purchased Black Iron Mace.]

[Black Iron Mace]

- Grade: Rare.

- Requirement: Strength 190 or higher.

- Durability: 800/800

- Options

Physical Attack +240.

Smash Attack Power +20%.

There wasn’t any real change in the options. Only the attack and durability were increased.

Normally, you’d have to be at least a level 150 mace warrior to wield this, but Levan was only level 66.

With not even half the required level, a weapon ordinary to others was absurdly powerful for Levan.

After swapping out some armor as well, Levan set off for the Tower of Infinity.

At the entrance, the gatekeeper NPC Dekarn bowed quietly.

“You’ve come again.”

“I’d like to enter the second floor.”

“That’s odd. Aren’t you someone who can meet the second floor’s master anytime without my permission?”

“I know. But instead of using a ticket to go straight to the master, I want to start from the bottom and climb up slowly.”

“May I ask why?”

“That way, I can be acknowledged by everyone for my worth.”

“Acknowledged for your worth…”

Dekarn nodded thoughtfully at Levan’s answer.

Then he responded.

“That may be a bit difficult.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are the first victor to defeat the master of the first floor. The other floor masters won’t easily accept someone like you climbing from the very bottom.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just as I said. I merely open the door. Once you enter, the master of each floor can decide everything as they wish.”

“So I might not be able to challenge from the start?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

‘That’s a problem.’

Levan frowned at the news that he might not be able to challenge from the very beginning.

Because if he couldn’t challenge from the start, there’d be less to record for the video.

Also, it meant he couldn’t attempt one of Warlord’s greatest aggro magnets, the “Tower of Infinity Record Run.”

“Hmmm.”

Something unexpected.

Now that he was a streamer—where attention meant money—this was a definite problem.

After thinking it over for a while, Levan spoke.

“Then I’ll just make the first move.”

“The first move…?”

“If I’m just going to get special treatment I don’t need, I’ll just do as I please.”

With that, Levan opened his Wartube account window before his eyes.

After a few manipulations, he activated a new system.

That system was none other than—

[Would you like to start a live broadcast on the Wartube channel, ‘Physics 101’?]

It was the start of a live broadcast.

(Serial) The Mage Doesn’t Hide His Power